February 7, 2025

4273 Views

Top Ways to Find Affordable Housing as a Travel Nurse in 2025

Posted on February 7, 2025February 10, 2025 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

Travel nursing is so much more than just a job—it’s an adventure. That mindset is why we are all in the industry we are in. Each new assignment offers the chance to explore vibrant cities, make lifelong memories, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. But while the allure of the open road is undeniable, finding affordable housing can be a bit of a puzzle.

With a little strategy and creativity, you can unlock amazing living experiences without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the best ways to secure affordable housing, especially in some of 2025’s top-paying cities for travel nurses. So, we did a little legwork to help you find that perfect 2025 assignment: experiences, history, sports, pay, and affordable housing tips!

Top-Paying Cities for Travel Nurses in 2025

Working in a high-paying city can significantly enhance your travel nursing experience. Here are a few locations that combine lucrative contracts with unbeatable opportunities for exploration:

San Francisco, CA: With pay rates often exceeding $4,000 per week, San Francisco is a dream for nurses. Explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, indulge in eclectic food scenes, and enjoy breathtaking coastal hikes—all while earning top dollar.
New York, NY: The city that never sleeps offers contracts around $3,800/week. Whether you’re catching a Broadway show, strolling through Central Park, or exploring hidden gems in every borough, NYC promises endless excitement.
Austin, TX: Known for its live music scene and quirky vibe, Austin pays nurses around $3,500/week. Picture yourself paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake or savoring mouthwatering barbecue after a fulfilling shift.
Seattle, WA: This Pacific Northwest gem offers contracts over $3,700/week. Between the majestic views of Mount Rainier, coffee culture, and thriving arts scene, Seattle has something for everyone.
Boston, MA: With rates near $3,600/week, Boston lets you step back in time with its rich history while enjoying a modern, bustling city. Don’t forget to catch a Red Sox game or stroll along the picturesque Charles River.

Housing Hacks for Travel Nurses

Once you’ve landed your dream assignment, it’s time to find a home base that feels just as rewarding. These tips can help you discover affordable housing options that match your budget and lifestyle:

1. Furnished Finder: Short-Term Comfort

This platform was designed with travel professionals in mind. Furnished Finder connects you directly with landlords offering fully furnished, short-term rentals near hospitals. Think cozy apartments with everything you need—so you can focus on exploring, not shopping for pots and pans.

2. Extended-Stay Hotels: Flexibility and Convenience

Chains like Marriott’s TownePlace Suites and Hilton’s Homewood Suites often provide discounts for long stays. With amenities like kitchenettes, fitness centers, and even free breakfasts, extended-stay hotels make it easy to settle in and feel at home right away.

3. Facebook Groups: Insider Connections

Local Facebook groups like “Travel Nurse Housing” can be treasure troves of leads. From sublets to room shares, you’ll find options shared by fellow travelers who’ve been in your shoes. It’s also a great way to meet other nurses and build your community.

4. Airbnb: Negotiate Like a Pro

For stays of 30 days or more, Airbnb hosts often offer significant discounts. Don’t be afraid to reach out and negotiate a better rate. Explain your travel nurse assignment and offer a reasonable price—many hosts appreciate reliable, short-term tenants.

5. Roommate Partnerships: Build Connections

Pairing up with fellow travel nurses can open the door to more spacious and affordable housing. Splitting the cost of a multi-bedroom apartment or house not only saves money but also fosters camaraderie during your assignment.

6. Craigslist: Stay Savvy

Craigslist may feel old-school, but it still offers plenty of hidden gems. Use it to find affordable housing, but always vet landlords and properties thoroughly. Meeting in person and verifying details can help ensure a smooth experience.

7. Maximize Your Stipend

Taking the tax-free housing stipend can be a game-changer. By finding accommodations that cost less than your stipend, you can pocket the difference and boost your income. For instance, in cities like Austin or Seattle, where housing options are diverse, this approach can add significant cash to your wallet.

Turn Housing Into Part of the Adventure

Housing doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it can be part of the thrill of travel nursing. Imagine waking up in a charming brownstone in Boston, a high-rise apartment with skyline views in Seattle, or a quirky bungalow in Austin. The right housing can enhance your adventure, giving you a unique glimpse into your temporary city.

Additional Pro Tips

Travel Off-Peak: Many tourist-heavy cities have lower rents in their off-season. For example, finding housing near the beaches of New England in early spring can save you a bundle compared to summer rates.
Ask Your Agency: Agencies like OneStaff Medical often provide housing resources or connect you with trusted providers, helping you find a hassle-free option and help take one thing off your plate as you plan an assignment.
Stay Organized: Create a spreadsheet to track potential housing options, their costs, and amenities. This will streamline your search and make comparisons easier.

Start Your Next Adventure with OneStaff Medical

As a travel nurse, you have the unique opportunity to work where you’ve always dreamed of living—even if just for a little while. By using these housing tips, you can make the most of your travel nursing experience without overspending. Ready to find your next assignment in one of 2025’s top-paying cities? OneStaff Medical is here to help you secure the contract, the connections, and the unforgettable experiences that make travel nursing so rewarding.

Let’s make your next move your best move yet!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

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

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare 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 Michele Maxey

February 3, 2025

3888 Views

How I Sort Out a Good Fit for Traveling

Posted on February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 by Michele Maxey

How do you know a good fit for traveling? What makes us traveler nurses “travel” depends on so many different pain points. Some states don’t pay enough; I know of two RNs from Alabama who frequently pair up, leave their spouse and kids behind, and set out for financially greener pastures. Some of us, like me, are tired of the mundane of our hometown and want to see something new and exciting. I found the cultures of metro Phoenix and Anchorage to be a great contrast to southern Ohio. Others are avid outdoor adventure enthusiasts and seek out great skiing or rock-climbing areas. Or perhaps you still love nursing, but you just can’t stand to be asked to take on committees anymore (corporate commitments that yield no money and rare change), and you need to start anew. Whichever of these apply to you, I find that landing that perfect assignment takes a little personal work outside of what your recruiter provides. Below are steps I take to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment.

Steps for sorting out a good fit for a travel assignment:

1. Read up on the company

Before I get the interview, I try to learn about the hospital or healthcare system that I am applying to. General search engine sleuthing usually yields a decent amount of information, especially with sites like Glassdoor, where one can read up on employee complaints/concerns. Also, I personally go in and review their mission statement to see if it aligns with my personal values or see how vague it is, and measure if publicized behaviors contradict what they proclaim. For instance, if they say “ they are committed to the improvement of human life” but then have also shut down critical access health sites during a takeover, this lends information to the question of what the corporate atmosphere is—not an absolute deal breaker for a short term assignment but will be highly relative to things like social services and continuity of care into the community.

Insider resources are also important. This includes asking my recruiter to talk with other travelers who have worked with that facility. Sometimes, the recruiter will tell you this is their first time working with the facility. Other times, they may be hesitant to discuss things as a “tough assignment, but the pay is good.” Insider resources also include online chat boards—I never completely discount gossip. These things allow me to weigh out whether certain company behaviors are tolerable to achieve my goals and if it will be a good fit for me as a travel assignment.

2. To Thine Own Self Be True

After my longevity in the nursing field, I am aware of my skill set, what it was, and what I can brush up on to be sufficient. For instance, I used to be a high-risk Labor and Delivery nurse with a lactation certification; that was fifteen years ago, and I no longer possess that acumen in relation to the liability of that arena of nursing. I currently am a CVICU nurse, and my skillset is managing complicated heart failure, among other things, but I communicate what machinery and therapies I am familiar with and what is different from the facility that I am applying to. Sometimes, when jumping between two levels of acuity( sometimes you have a mismatch of ideal place and exact area of expertise), I need to refresh my mind on certain steps for procedures. Luckily, we all live in the Age of Information, and there are literally thousands of professionally backed and collegiate-affiliated YouTube videos out there on every medical and nursing topic for free. They also have teaching videos available for every flavor of electronic health record if the assignment seems golden. However, managing the software platform to chart on seems like a herculean task.

3. Things to ask During the Telephone Interview

In times past, I felt awkward asking specifics about the unit’s operations. I don’t know why; maybe I thought it was a corporate secret, or I was violating the boundaries of good hospitality. Whichever it was, I woke up and realized that this is a business relationship, and I needed to know what kind of environment I was doing business in.

I usually start with general questions like how many beds are in the unit and then how many nurses are staffed each shift. I then ask about support staff, such as unit clerks, monitor techs, and nurses’ aides; this gives me a better idea of my full responsibilities, as I might not have been expecting that I would field phone calls from outside the hospital, etc.

This is usually followed by things like what is the staff mix and staff support. If the nurse educator has just been let go and the staff are mainly new grads, the hospital may be looking at me to be a support structure and knowledge base for those staff. This can end up being difficult if staff are resistant to the presence of travelers—so I weigh this into my equation of acceptance. I also like knowing how many other travelers are currently employed with that particular unit. From personal experience, I know that a unit staffed almost exclusively with travelers can be chaotic and sometimes adversarial, as each person has their way of doing things. Still, no one is immersed in the company’s way of doing things.

4. Shift Requirements and Scheduling Policies

If I start an assignment for the adventure potential that the location promised, I am going to be sad if block scheduling isn’t an option. I find it wise to talk out needed time off with my recruiter ahead of time. Usually, I know when a family vacation is coming up or a major milestone like my parent’s wedding anniversary (mom has been planning for months, so missing it is an act of heresy); then I have put it into the written contract so that there aren’t questions later.

When it comes to the question-and-answer portion of the telephone interview, I tend to discuss the required weekends and holidays. Some places are staunch on “every other” policies; other’s pain points are Mondays and Fridays, and they could care less about weekends. Still, others refuse to pay for travelers on holidays, so you can have that all to yourself. Clarity in this area lends itself to greater satisfaction on both sides. Making a potential good fit for a travel assignment.

5. Asking about the Primary Care Providers

This is an interesting area of conversation. Knowing what type of primary providers I am working with, plus the legal and political hierarchy, and how I can easily contact them is very important to how my patient will receive care. I feel this is even more necessary when I take night shift assignments, as there are fewer providers to contact when issues surface. Firstly, I ask if this is a teaching facility and if are there resident physicians who will be practicing in my unit. The presence of first- and second-year residents requires a certain level of personal confidence, negotiation tactics, and strong skills by the nurse. If things ever sound questionable, I run things up the chain to the chief resident because the purpose of doctors’ residency is learning.

Additionally, what is provider overnight coverage in the hospital, as I sometimes work the night shift? I have encountered tough situations in which patients were intubated. Still, the

In summary, taking these steps to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment and addressing these topics has led me to better satisfaction going into a contract. I feel more at peace knowing the potential of the interdependence of staff going into the contract.

We hope you found these steps I take to sort out a good fit for a travel assignment helpful. Are there any steps you take to make sure a travel assignment will be a good fit for you? Are there tell-tale signs that an assignment may not be a good fit that you have found? Tell us about them in the comments below.

And knowing when I can schedule time off to have adventures and see the landscape makes me even happier.

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!

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 Brandy Pinkerton

February 1, 2025

7993 Views

I Hate My Assignment, Now What?

Posted on February 1, 2025February 1, 2025 by Brandy Pinkerton

If you have been a travel nurse for a while, you have undoubtedly experienced an assignment you didn’t love. Hate is a strong word, but if I’m being 100% honest, I have had an assignment along the way that, in my mind, I hated. There is nothing worse than getting your hopes up about a new travel assignment than getting the “rug pulled out from you” when it doesn’t quite meet your expectations. If you have read any of my blogs or listened to any of my live events, then you know I am one of those people who speak from the heart.

So, I’m going to help you get to the root of the problem, and unfortunately, it may require you to ask yourself some tough questions. If this is your first assignment, I encourage you to give yourself some grace and not give up because not all assignments will be this way, trust me!!

Why do you not like it?

#1 Is the assignment Unsafe?

Know the difference between unsafe practices and simply not agreeing with how something is done or not liking how something is done. I have been a nurse for nearly 20 years and have learned there is more than one “right” way to do things. As long as you are providing safe patient care and achieving the same goal, do things how that facility wants you to do it.

They, unfortunately, don’t want to hear how you did it at your last job! Every facility likely does things just a little differently than you are used to. Know how to use your resources and how to access their policy and procedures on day 1 of orientation. Now, if patient safety or safe staffing ratios is a concern, that is a whole other issue that I could write an entire blog post about, so for time purposes will briefly go over what to do if you are put into an undesirable situation. What exactly is making you feel unsafe?

Do you have poor patient ratios? Do you feel like you’re not well prepared to handle your assignment? If it’s something small, I encourage you to go to the charge nurse or management and discuss it with them. Talking with management may not change anything, but if you approach the subject positively, then maybe you’ll get some great feedback out of it and have an immediate plan of action. If not, know your chain of command and how to use it. Call and speak to your recruiter and a member of your company clinical team asap for guidance.

Mentor PRO Tip: Choosing a company that offers 24/7 Clinical coverage is important in the early stages of preparing to become a travel nurse. You never know when you will need them, and although I highly encourage you to keep your recruiter in the loop at all times, at the end of the day, they are not usually a clinician, so you want to have as many resources to help you if the need arises. Travel Nurse Company: Basics to Choosing the Right One (thegypsynurse.com)

#2 Is the Staff Unwelcoming?

I’ve had my fair share of catty and click-ish nurses over the years, and unfortunately, I wish I had a magic answer for this. Poor leadership can also fall into this category. Understand, their behavior is a reflection of themselves, and their unhappiness really likely has nothing to do with you. Misery loves company, so just let them be. My philosophy is just to kill them with kindness and take the higher road. Easier said than done, I know!! I try to just find common ground with them and be my happy, helpful self and usually win them over!!

#3 Is it just not What you Expected?

The expectation is the root of all heartache when it comes to life lessons, and this also applies to travel nursing. I don’t know about you, but this has been something I have struggled with personally and professionally. The Children’s Hospital that grew me as a nurse really set the bar high when it comes to being a stellar facility. So much so that I spent 15 years there before traveling. It was just a great place to work, and I will always be partial to them. Other facilities I have traveled to came with their own uniqueness and helped me grow in my career.

The great thing about traveling is you get to “try on” other facilities, so to speak, to see if they are a good fit for you; if they aren’t, then you are only committed to 13 weeks. If so, maybe you will consider extending or coming back one day! It’s all about your perspective, so I encourage you to stay optimistic; there will be good takeaways no matter what!!

#4 Is it you? (Don’t hate me here)

Have you had this issue more than one time? Did you leave your home hospital because you weren’t getting along with anyone and needed to start over? This is a tough one to consider-gulp! But sometimes, as I have gotten older and wiser (LOL) and able to self-reflect more, I will admit that sometimes the problem has been me.

For example, I struggled with an assignment right after I left flight nursing. As a flight nurse, you have A LOT of autonomy, and I earned respect and trust at the hospital I worked out with the staff and especially the physicians from the type of relationship I had with them. Then, when I went back to a bedside travel job at a brand new facility, they gave me an ego check very quickly. It was a hard transition back to being a bedside nurse; I am not going to lie. It was a facility where the physicians did not, unfortunately, seem to trust their core staff nor gave them much autonomy.

Several physicians were known to “talk down” to staff, and later the nurses told me that it was a losing battle, that managers knew, and unfortunately, they just learned to keep their mouth quiet and take the disrespect, which makes me so sad!

So, it took a couple of shifts of me being on my own to run into the experience where the physician treated me like, well, quite frankly, I was stupid. I really enjoyed my co-workers and the facility, so I had to learn to just bite my tongue to make it through the assignment. Unless patient safety was a concern, then, of course, I would speak up. Plus, I really only ran into that doctor every couple of weeks.

Despite all of that, if asked, I would go back to the facility in a heartbeat. So, is it you?? Take time to reflect on yourself and ask yourself the hard questions. If it is you, I’d recommend sticking it out, making the most of it, and then doing some work on yourself so that you don’t have these same issues in the future. Please know that I say this all with love and your best interest at heart.

What to do if you hate your assignment:

– Keep the line of communication open with your recruiter at all times so they can intervene early if necessary.

-Seek advice from a clinical team member with your agency

-Speak with the charge nurse and unit manager. Try to follow the proper chain of command (make sure you ask what that is during your first week of orientation)

-Always CYA!! Keep a paper/email trail of all conversations. Make sure to save emails and texts and also take a pic with your phone. To avoid forgetting details, physically write down specific events, convos, names, dates, and times to have so you remember exactly what happened.

***At the end of the day, I will ALWAYS tell you that your mental health comes first!!

Unless it is unsafe, I encourage you to Stick it Out.

You can do anything for 13 weeks. Remember your goals and your “why” (Preparing for a Career as a Travel Nurse – TRAVEL NURSE 101) and that you’re there for a reason. Your patients count on you to show up, be present, and do your best. I don’t encourage you to be taken advantage of, so know your boundaries but also take responsibility for your commitments. You will grow both professionally and personally, too!

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 Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

January 30, 2025

5667 Views

Travel Nursing With a Partner: 3 Tips to Make it Work

Posted on January 30, 2025January 31, 2025 by Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

This year marks our 2nd year of travel nursing together, and we have learned so much about ourselves and each other on this wild journey. We have been asked a lot of questions about travel nursing with a partner while we have been on the road, but no question has been asked more than, “How can you guys spend so much time together?” The answer is simple: it’s easy when it’s with the right person.

To be honest, I never thought that I would be the type of person who COULD spend so much time with my significant other, but I can wholeheartedly say that it has been the best way to travel nurse. Plus, it really is great getting to spend so much time with the person you love.

Jumping from city to city and hospital to hospital is daunting, to say the least. I applaud any and everyone who travel nurses alone because it is truly no small feat. However, if you decide you want to take on the world of travel nursing with a buddy or a significant other, here are a few tips to make the transition much easier!

Communication.

We know this is the key to any long-lasting friendship or relationship, but I think we all could use a reminder every now and then. Before you set off on your assignment together, lay out what your expectations are. Expectations for the assignment, what your goals are (this is especially important if you are traveling as a couple), and what your expectations of each other are. This is important for friendships especially – what chores will you each do? How will you split the bills?

Communication throughout the assignment will be just as important as it was in the beginning as well. When you are in a new environment, it’s totally normal to cling to familiarity (each other, for example), but everyone deals with these changes differently. Make sure you are discussing these things with your travel partner to avoid any negative or hurt feelings.

Set up dates.

Or, if you are traveling with a friend, set up a time to hang out away from work if you want to, especially if you are working in the same unit. As a couple, it can be so easy to fall into a coworker/roommate sort of mentality when you not only live with your travel partner but work alongside them as well. You have to remember to prioritize your relationship aside from those things and make a conscious effort to set aside quality time for the two of you. This can happen in all relationships, but even more so when you spend so much time together.

The great news is, being in new places all the time, there is never a shortage of things to do or see. This means that you can always have great dates and you don’t even need to spend a lot of money! Check out local events and parks, and get creative when planning these dates. You can even take turns each week, so it doesn’t always fall on the same person.

Alone is not lonely.

As wonderful as it is traveling with your partner, sometimes you just want some time to yourself, and that’s okay! We all need different amounts of alone time, but that’s why communicating how much you need is so important. Needing alone time does not mean you are tired of your partner or need space. It just means you might want to read a book or watch a TV show for an hour or two. These are all very normal things and incredibly healthy for relationships in the long run. If you are the type of person who doesn’t necessarily care about alone time, make sure you are understanding of your partner who might need that alone time.

Some additional tips: Ensure that the person you choose to travel with is honest, trustworthy, levelheaded, and easy to communicate with, at the very least! Also, if you do happen to work on the same unit together, always keep it professional (especially if you are a couple!) and offer help to everyone on the unit (not just your partner).

These are just a few basic tips to help make your transition into travel nursing as a couple or as friends a little bit easier! Know that not every day will be perfect, and just like everything else, there will be good days and bad days. Make sure that when you are deciding who you would like to travel nurse with, you are taking these tips into account. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong travel partner can really turn what could be a great experience into a not-so-great one. Best of luck on your future travels!

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:

START HERE

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

By Mia Logan

January 27, 2025

7818 Views

How to Have a Successful Nursing Career in a Foreign Country

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by Mia Logan

The noble and fulfilling field of nursing is international. The prospect of fresh chances and experiences inspires many nurses to pursue their careers abroad. Whether you are thinking about relocating abroad to practice nursing or have already made the move, this guide will offer you insightful information and practical advice to help you have a prosperous nursing career abroad.

Research and Understand the Nursing Landscape

It’s essential to do extensive study and obtain a thorough understanding of the nursing environment in your selected location before starting your nursing career abroad. Learn about the country’s healthcare system, nursing license requirements, and rules governing the profession of nursing before you do anything else. Making educated selections regarding your professional path requires having a thorough understanding of the facilities that are available in that area, such as public hospitals, private clinics, and specialized care centers.

The process of comprehending the healthcare system has many facets. It entails exploring the system’s architecture, the financing of healthcare, the function of governmental organizations, and the unique difficulties it encounters.

Knowing that every country has a different approach to healthcare can not only assist you in navigating it but also give your nursing practice some context. Researching the accessibility of healthcare resources, such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, is important because it can affect the kind of care you can deliver.

Credential Evaluation and Licensure

You normally need to have your qualifications reviewed and receive the required licensure in order to practice nursing abroad. Start early because the process can be complicated and time-consuming. The licensure procedure is governed by nursing regulating authorities in several nations. Be ready to present proof of your education, training, and professional experience. In order to prove your competency in the language of the host nation, you might also need to pass language proficiency tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.

For nurses working abroad, obtaining the required certifications and licensure is frequently a big obstacle. It’s crucial to carefully acquire all necessary paperwork and follow all deadlines set forth by regulations. Depending on your area of specialization, some nations may demand additional qualifications or tests. Always check with the appropriate regulatory body and follow their guidelines precisely to ensure a smooth transition into your new nursing role.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

With the development of medical research and technology, nursing is a dynamic subject that is always changing. Make a commitment to continued professional development if you want your nursing career in a foreign nation to succeed. Keep up with the most recent clinical procedures, medical developments, and rules. Look for chances to complete extra training or receive certification in nursing specialties that are in demand in the country where you will be working. Continuous learning improves both your abilities and your value as a resource for your healthcare organization.

Professional growth encompasses management and leadership abilities in addition to clinical expertise. Consider pursuing advanced degrees in nursing or healthcare administration to enhance your career prospects and impact on patient care. This is particularly true if you’re interested in making the most of your time abroad and learning as much as you can about nursing and working with different kinds of patients. The only way to make that happen is by finding a professional facility like the amazing John Sagar Renal Centre, where you can learn everything you need and stay with patients who are getting healthier and healthier before your eyes!

Cultural Competency and Adaptability

Nursing entails dealing with individuals from various cultural backgrounds in addition to providing medical treatment. Building trust with patients and providing high-quality treatment both depend on developing cultural competency. Spend some time getting to know the locals’ traditions, faiths, and values. Accept the chance to fully immerse oneself in the culture and be receptive to new ideas and methods of operation. For a successful nursing career overseas, cultural awareness and the capacity to function well in a multicultural context are essential abilities.

Understanding cultural variations is only one aspect of cultural competency; respect for various viewpoints and behaviors is another. Recognizing that each patient may have particular healthcare ideas and preferences is important. Empathy, attentive listening, and a readiness to cater to specific needs are all necessary for establishing trust with patients. Your nursing practice will be enriched by accepting cultural variety, and you’ll be better prepared to give patients individualized treatment that takes into account their cultural environment.

Networking and Building Relationships

Success in any field, including nursing, depends on developing a strong professional network. To network with peers, mentors, and possible employers, attend nursing conferences, seminars, and workshops in your host nation. Become a member of nursing associations or organizations that are pertinent to your profession. Networking can help you find employment, get support and direction, and learn the intricacies of your region’s healthcare system.

In addition to helping your career, networking allows you to share your knowledge and learn from others’ experiences. Engage with local nurses and medical experts to learn more about the special possibilities and difficulties faced by your host nation. Creating connections with people at work and in the larger nursing community can help you grow as a professional and as a person.

Adherence to Ethical and Legal Standards

Legal requirements and nursing ethics are global principles that direct the industry. Even in a foreign nation with distinct cultural norms and medical practices, it is crucial to uphold these standards. In your nursing practice, uphold the highest standards of integrity by respecting patient privacy, informed consent, and personal and professional boundaries. Make sure you are completely compliant by being familiar with the legislative framework governing nursing practice in your host nation. Following the law and ethical guidelines safeguards both your career and the profession of nursing as a whole.

Nursing practice involves fundamental ethical considerations that cut across cultural boundaries. You must put the needs of your patients first, respect their privacy and confidentiality, and act in their best interests. Learn about the nursing code of ethics in the nation where you are staying because it can have different rules or cultural quirks than what you are used to. Building confidence with patients, coworkers, and employers by consistently upholding ethical and legal standards enhances the standard of treatment.

It can be tremendously rewarding, both professionally and personally, to have a prosperous nursing career abroad. However, it necessitates thorough preparation, devotion, and ongoing learning. As you begin your nursing career abroad, keep in mind that there may be difficulties along the way, but with perseverance and the correct attitude, you can get through them and succeed in your chosen field. Following these recommendations will help you realize your career goals and have a good impact on healthcare systems all around the world. Nursing is a profession that is practiced all over the world. Your experience working as a nurse abroad will broaden your perspectives, aid in the well-being of many communities, and advance your professional development.

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!

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 The Gypsy Nurse

January 22, 2025

5595 Views

Taking a Break From Travel Nursing

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 by The Gypsy Nurse

While travel nursing can provide adventure and reward, it can also be taxing. You may find taking a break seems like a good idea. Though the day-to-day in each assignment may be similar to a traditional nursing job, hopping from one assignment to the next is anything but normal. Over time, you may become exhausted from all the packing, moving, and readjusting that each contract might bring, especially if you leave little downtime between each new job. If this describes you, it may be time to take a step back from this kind of work. Below are some suggestions to keep in mind as you go about taking a break from travel nursing.

1. Determine the Length of Your Break.

There are no hard and fast rules about how much time you should take between each assignment. Only you know how long is long enough. However, as you are making this decision, you should consider how long you can survive without pay because travel nursing jobs typically do not provide paid time off. Additionally, no work can mean no medical insurance, depending on your personal circumstances. If you are new to travel nursing, it might be wise to speak with an agency advisor for some sound advice around break lengths between contracts.

Alternatively, you can speak with other travel nurses to see what they do. No matter what length of time you decide on, make sure it’s worthwhile and truly allows you to accomplish the following steps.

2. Focus On Things You’ve Been Neglecting.

Rest

This is not a suggestion; it’s a plea! It’s important to unwind no matter what job you have. In the healthcare field, it’s even more essential. You likely know from experience that nurses often work long hours. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, lengthy work weeks and travel nursing contracts seemed to be a packaged deal. Taking a break from this line of work should include adequate rest. This can look different for each person.

Determine for yourself what would be the best form of R&R for you. Are you in need of a relaxing vacation? Do you want to catch up on some zzzs? Or could you use a trip to the spa? Whatever you decide, be sure not to confuse rest and relaxation with recreation.

Recreation

While different from rest, recreation is just as vital. You’ve heard the saying, “All work or no play makes you dull.” The same is somewhat true if all you do is work and sleep. You have to make time to let loose. Once again, only you know what that looks like for yourself. It’s easy to spend your entire break vegging out in front of the TV.

There’s nothing wrong with making some time to do that, but you probably don’t want to spend all of your allotted time for recreation between assignments glued to your couch or bed. If you’re an active person, make some time to try a workout class you can’t normally attend. If you’re outdoorsy, find the nearest incline and put on your hiking boots. The sky’s the limit!

Responsibilities

If your assignments often involve long work weeks, it’s easy to put off important things and neglect responsibilities at your home base. Due to back-to-back contracts, you may have pushed duties like household chores, car maintenance, and scheduling appointments on the backburner. Now is the time to take care of those responsibilities. When you are ready to begin work again, you want a fresh start, not lingering tasks.

To avoid overwhelming yourself while you’re trying to recuperate before heading back out into the field, it would be helpful to make a realistic list based on task priority. Be sure to balance your time between these responsibilities, rest, and recreation. Don’t beat yourself up if there are things you don’t get around to.

3. Plan for the Future.

Remember that you will have to return to work at some point, whether it’s to another travel nursing job or a different position in healthcare. If you haven’t already thought about it, it’s important to come up with a plan of action.

If you intend to return to travel nursing long-term after taking a break, will your previous living/lodging arrangement continue to work for you, or will you need to explore other options? Some nurses have their own home or apartment but take advantage of whatever lodging provisions their staffing agency offers or utilize other housing options while on assignment. Alternatively, some have turned to mobi le living. If that’s something you are considering, be sure to count the cost. A traditional mortgage will not do the trick. If your savings aren’t enough to foot the bill, you may need to apply for a personal loan to finance your tiny living space.

There’s no shame in taking a break. In fact, it’s healthy. Listen to your body and mind as you try to navigate work/life balance as a healthcare professional. The beauty of travel nursing is that opportunity always awaits if taking a break is neccessary!

We hope you found this article on taking a break from travel nursing helpful. Have you taken a break from travel nursing? If you would like to share some tips, 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 Furnished Finder

January 15, 2025

5723 Views

Avoiding Homesickness While Travel Nursing

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by Furnished Finder

Travel nursing is exciting, adventurous, and thrilling but can also be challenging and homesickness while travel nursing is real! Leaving home for periods of time can leave you feeling like you’re missing a part of yourself, and you can even get homesick from time to time. We’ve put together a few tips to help you avoid this feeling and make any place you’re living feel like home!

Ways to avoid homesickness while travel nursing:

Bring some familiar bedding.

Any great rental property will provide plenty of bedding, including extra blankets and sheets, but sometimes just having a blanket from home can make you feel more settled in. It doesn’t have to be something bulky and hard to travel with, just something that reminds you of the coziness of your bed back home.

Have some photos.

Yes, we all have thousands of photos on our phones, but it’s much more inviting to have some photos printed that you can put on the fridge, on the mirror, or your nightstand. They don’t have to be in a big frame. Just quick and easy prints or even Polaroids can suffice to remind you of the people you love.

Get out and about.

This may seem obvious, but all too often, when working long shifts, the last thing you may want to do is go explore. Take advantage of your days off to really go explore the city you’re in. Join a Meetup group, find a friend through work, and go adventure together. You can even make a city bucket list of things you want to see before you’re off to your next adventure!

Check out nature.

One of the best parts about traveling the country is the ability to see the different parts of Mother Nature. Even if it’s a bit of a drive to get to the local nature areas, make time for it and get out there to see what it has to offer you! From the oceans to the mountains and everything in between, there are some amazing things to be seen when you go looking!

Have some visitors.

If your home has space for it, have a visitor come stay with you for a while! You can explore together while spending good, quality time with someone you might miss from home. These days, with so many people working remotely, this can be easier than ever!

Order your favorites from home.

Are there certain foods, drinks, or anything else from home that just make you feel good? Online ordering can be a great thing! Order some of these to have on hand for homesick times when you can have a bit of home!

Carve out time to visit.

It’s often common to go from a travel assignment to a travel assignment but consider taking time to visit home for a week or two, maybe longer, if you feel like you need a break from the road. Don’t let yourself get burnt out! You’ll take your travel career much further if you give yourself the grace and space to take breaks!

Remember that travel nursing is a way to explore and bring joy, and never forget to make it an adventure! We hope that you found these tips for avoiding homesickness while travel nursing helpful. Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses to help avoid homesickness while travel nursing? 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:

START HERE

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

By Miles Oliver

January 14, 2025

2988 Views

Overcoming Fatigue and Stress in Travel Nursing: Identifying Challenges and Finding Remedies

Posted on January 14, 2025January 7, 2025 by Miles Oliver

Travel nursing offers unique opportunities but presents significant challenges, particularly fatigue and stress. The demanding nature of the job, coupled with constant changes in environments and routines, can take a toll on nurses’ physical and mental health. This can create a cycle where job stress impacts health, which can, in turn, lead to more stress.

Addressing these issues is crucial for overall well-being and optimal job performance, ensuring that nurses remain effective caregivers.

Overcoming Fatigue and Stress in Travel Nursing: Identifying Challenges and Finding Remedies:

Common Causes of Fatigue and Stress in Travel Nurses

Travel nurses face unique challenges that make them tired and stressed, including frequent relocations, irregular schedules, and adapting to new healthcare systems and teams. The constant need to acclimate to different environments and the emotional toll of patient care can lead to physical exhaustion and mental strain.

These factors disrupt routines, affect sleep quality, and may result in feelings of isolation. As a result, the ability to provide high-quality patient care can diminish, and personal well-being may suffer, highlighting the importance of addressing these challenges proactively.

The Long-Term Health Effects

Unmanaged fatigue and work-related stress can lead to severe consequences, including chronic health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, GERD, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions compromise personal well-being and negatively impact patient care quality.

Early recognition and intervention are crucial to mitigating these risks; they can help prevent burnout and foster healthier coping strategies. By acknowledging signs of fatigue and stress early on, travel nurses can implement remedies that enhance their resilience, ensuring their health and patients’ welfare are prioritized.

Practical Strategies for Managing Fatigue and Stress

To deal with fatigue and stress in travel nursing, establish a consistent sleep routine, prioritize a balanced diet, and incorporate regular exercise, even short walks. Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to enhance relaxation.

Limit caffeine and screen time, especially before bed. Create a support network with fellow nurses to share experiences and coping strategies. Schedule regular breaks during shifts and take time for self-care activities you enjoy. Consider finding a professional therapist if stress becomes overwhelming. Embrace these habits for a healthier, more resilient nursing career.

Enhancing Sleep Hygiene

To improve sleep quality, establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Create a restful environment using blackout curtains to block light and a white noise machine to minimize disruptions.

Before bedtime, calm the mind with meditation, gentle yoga, or reading techniques. Drop the coffee and put the phone away at night. Consider using chamomile tea or essential oils like lavender for further relaxation. Integrating these practices can enhance your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Effective Time and Stress Management Techniques

Effective methods for overcoming stress in travel nursing include planning, prioritizing, and delegating tasks. By organizing your workload, you can reduce overwhelm and focus on what truly matters. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep-breathing exercises, allows you to cultivate relaxation and clarity amidst chaos.

Setting clear boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It enables you to recharge and recharge away from work responsibilities. These strategies enhance productivity and support your mental well-being, promoting a more fulfilling nursing experience. Implementing them can lead to a more sustainable and enjoyable travel nursing career.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet and Exercise Routine

Nutrition is crucial for travel nurses to reduce their energy levels and stress. To sustain energy throughout your shifts, opt for balanced meals rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Indulge in protein-rich snacks, such as nuts and yogurt, to keep hunger at bay. Drink a delicious glass of clean water instead of a can of syrupy soda.

Additionally, aim for regular physical activity, even short bursts of exercise, to enhance mood and vitality. Incorporate brisk walking, stretching, or brief workouts into your day to combat fatigue and promote overall well-being, ultimately making your travel nursing experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Help Yourself, Help Others

Prioritizing sleep quality, effectively managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine are vital for travel nurses aiming to thrive in their demanding roles. By establishing good sleep habits, practicing mindfulness, and fueling the body with nutritious foods, travel nurses can enhance their resilience, boost their energy levels, and improve their overall well-being.

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 Nathan Campbell

December 27, 2024

5038 Views

Will Artificial Intelligence Take Over Nursing

Posted on December 27, 2024December 27, 2024 by Nathan Campbell

As I lay a foundation for my future career, I can’t help but wonder how the latest buzzword in every media headline will affect nurses everywhere: artificial intelligence. I have been a nurse for three very long years. As a baby nurse, I emerged into the chaos of a worldwide pandemic. Fumbling my way through nursing during my early days felt like walking a tightrope over a pit of snakes while juggling chainsaws. I learned, laughed, and cried. Met my wife, bought a house, and became a travel nurse.

I pull out my new tracker and search for the button I haven’t had much of a reason to press yet. I speak into the microphone, ‘Should I give Mr. Jones in ICU Bed #3 his P.M. dose of furosemide?’ I wait patiently while a text box automatically fills the computer screen on my portable rover. The latest virtual assistant powered by the buzziest Silicon Valley company immediately spits out this helpful instruction, ‘Mr. Jones is currently in a worsening stage of renal failure.

His nephrologist saw him today; his note contains instructions to hold all diuretics. His nephrologist ordered gentle I.V. fluid hydration in the hopes of improving his renal function. Normal saline is currently ordered at 50mL/hour. This medication is currently infusing; it was last scanned at 1647. It may be helpful to grab a new bag of normal saline.

According to my calculations, you may need to hang a new bag soon.

If you have any further questions, I can compose an encrypted message to Dr. Hughes seeking further clarification.’ I was 90% sure of all the information that was just synthesized for me. Peace of mind is priceless in a profession where small mistakes can lead to irate physicians or dead patients. I also don’t have to waste my time sending a message to an on-call nephrologist who has never seen Mr. Jones, is unfamiliar with his health history, or could be sleeping. Waking up a doctor for silly questions like that can easily lead to loss of hearing or, quite possibly, a limb in the right circumstances.

The potential of artificial intelligence

I marvel at the potential of artificial intelligence while recognizing that these advances are decades away. I also rest easy in the knowledge that artificial intelligence cannot restrain a violent patient, provide a hug to a distraught family member, or do any of the hundreds of other tiny human things that make nurses some of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. My most sincere hope is that AI will make good nurses into great nurses. And great nurses into superheroes.

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.

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.

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Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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1. Determine the Length of Your Break.

2. Focus On Things You’ve Been Neglecting.

Rest

Recreation

Responsibilities

3. Plan for the Future.

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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