July 7, 2021

7246 Views

Tips to Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle as a Travel Nurse

Posted on July 7, 2021March 22, 2022 by Grace Hawkins

Travel nursing has many perks and challenges. And staying healthy while on the road is one of the most important of them. As a nurse, you can choose to work in different states, cities, and countries. You are constantly challenged with new organizations and are “on the move” many times throughout the year. Travel nurses face work-life changes when they sign up for different assignments. Therefore, it gets difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

But if you are already following a healthy lifestyle, staying healthy while traveling will be easy for you. And if you are someone who hasn’t found the time to acquire healthy habits, travel nursing might be the perfect opportunity to do so. All travel nurses can learn to manage stress, eat healthily and exercise while on the road with careful planning.

We have listed a few essential tips travel nurses can easily use to continue eating mindfully and maintain their health.

Always make a Plan

Anticipating the change helps and allows travel nurses to develop and prepare a plan. The plan can be as detailed as required, depending on the nurse. For example, with proper planning, it will be easy for you to identify nearby grocery stores and healthier restaurants near your assignment location. The travel nurses can even plan meals for their lunches and snacks to avoid the unhealthy foods in the cafeteria or restaurant. In the world of nursing, potlucks are pretty popular. If you are aware that potlucks can be a joint breakroom event at your assigned location, motivate other nurses to plan that as well.

Take CBD Supplements

A travel nurse schedule is a hectic one, with plenty of traveling and hectic work schedules. At such a time, CBD can be helpful. It is a stress reliever and helps to calm the mind. CBD can help promote the mental well-being of the travel nurse. It is widely used as an alternative to medication and relaxation therapies across different professions. You can buy CBD products like CBD oil, CBD hemp capsules from Weedsmart.

Drink Water

Drinking adequate water is essential. A healthy diet does not just end with food choices. Water helps in ramping up the metabolism when taken first thing in the morning. It also helps you feel full for a longer duration and helps in lubricating joints to prevent injury. Since nursing is a physical job, water is essential. Therefore, you need to drink adequate water throughout the day.

Follow a Routine

Following a routine is an efficient and good way of maintaining a healthy life. It is a practice that proved beneficial and fruitful for every person, whatever profession they might be. The schedule of the travel nurse is hectic and full of travel and duty that often leaves them fatigued and worn out. As such, it is important for you to follow a routine with healthy eating and regular exercise. Additionally, you should also resort to workouts. If the location you are traveling to doesn’t have a gym, carrying light weights, or other easily packable fitness equipment or a yoga mat can prove to be helpful. A good pair of sneakers can be a lifesaver at times. Also, a good run or jog in the morning or evening can equally prove effective. There are many free workout videos on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to keep you fit and healthy.

Get a Fitness Buddy

If you have a friend who motivates you to stay fit, that’s an additional bonus. Teaming up with a friend is an effective way to stick to a healthy routine and diet as a travel nurse. You can have a long-time friend, a partner, family member, or even a co-worker at the new workplace as your fitness buddy. Additionally, this arrangement is a great way to strike up a friendship in an unfamiliar location. Like-minded people can help, motivate and encourage you to continue healthy habits, especially when you are beginning a new assignment. Working out with your buddy, swapping healthy recipes, sharing workout and fitness videos, or even scoping out nearby diet-friendly restaurants are excellent ways to keep each other on track.

Take Time for Yourself

As you already are aware, travel nursing can be stressful. Switching gear frequently is not easy and can also lead to setbacks. Hence, you should consider taking time off to help manage your stress. Fun activities such as continuing a hobby, going out sightseeing or exploring nearby places in your new location, and making new friends can help ease the stress. You can try out a relaxing activity like meditating, yoga, art, and journaling to help melt stress and anxiety. In addition to this, getting adequate sleep, taking time off from work, and prioritizing rest is vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Work as a travel nurse tests a person both mentally and physically. It is essential to maintain sanity and a healthy lifestyle to work and create a good balance between professional and personal life. We hope these tips help you put your health first and encourage you to continue to help others.

We hope you found these tips on living a healthy lifestyle helpful. If you would like to read more health and wellness articles click here.

By Go Healthcare Staffing

July 6, 2021

6136 Views

Read This Before Your Next Social Media Post

Posted on July 6, 2021June 17, 2021 by Go Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

By now, most of us have a presence or participate in some type of social media platform. The urge to social connect is powerful and even more so for a segment like travel nursing. Being active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram shows that you are not alone; there are hundreds, in fact, thousands of Nurses just like you who share a “gypsy” soul and are traveling cross country from one 13-week travel contract to another.

Being able to connect can allow you to find a new assignment, perhaps a place to live, or simply connect with others while being a Traveler. The positives of being on social media are endless; however, there are a few reminders worth keeping in check before your next social post.

Stranger, danger? Do not let your guard down online. Be thoughtful and careful about what you share on social media. Keep a “digital border” with people you connect on the road or in social media groups. Although rare, there are bad actors who may take advantage of solo travelers. This tip is not exclusive to women.
Had a bad day at work? It may even be justified to vent about the hospital “dirty laundry” on social media groups, but Reminder #2 is: Do not bash employers in a public forum. Friendly reminder: social media is a public forum – yes, even groups that are supposed to be private. As tempting as it seems to vent to your peers, how well do you really know the thousands of members of a group? And who do they know? Rule of thumb: if you want to share how bad of an experience a travel assignment/hospital is to warn or help others, be constructive, be truthful, but leave out direct names of facility or employees.
Be a “Privacy Setting” expert. Understand your privacy settings on each of the various platforms. For your user profile, can everyone see everything you have shared/posted? Then ask yourself, “should they”?
Be HIPPA compliant. For selfies at work with #travelnurselife #nursemode (not vetted hastags), be cognizant of any posts or pics that can be considered violation. Don’t be THAT nurse. Some HIPPA violations on social media have had the best and even heartwarming intentions.
Watch your language & correct your spelling. In a social media world full of emoji oversharing, ALL CAPS no-holds-bar tirade, do your best to maintain a certain level of decorum. You are a nurse, the most trusted profession in our country. What you do and what you say matter both in person and online.

When used properly, social media IS a utilitarian tool to not only stay connected but to stay informed for travel nurses. The platforms have given everyone a place to gather and a place to share carefully. We hope you find these 5 tips/reminders useful before your next social media post.

“Just because you don’t share it on social media, doesn’t mean you’re not up to big things. Live it and stay low key. Privacy is everything”. – Denzel Washington.

If you are looking for housing for your next travel nurse assignment, click here.

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

July 5, 2021

14306 Views

The Best Cities for Your Travel Nursing Career in 2021

Posted on July 5, 2021June 15, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Life as a travel nurse is an adventure. Traveling from city to city, experiencing new cultures, gaining skills in your field while making a sustainable income to put toward nursing school debt—the perks are enticing. But, make no mistake, going from a stationary to a nomadic lifestyle can be a major adjustment for those who have lived and worked in one city for the majority of their professional lives. If you’re considering getting into travel nursing, it’s important to consider the best cities for travel nurses in 2021 and whether or not it’s wise to relocate.

If moving is on your horizon, it opens up a variety of questions—is it time to sell your home and buy a new one in a city fit for travel nursing? Or is renting more appropriate? Before you decide to relocate for your travel nursing career, think about some of these things:

Pros of keeping your home

You can rent out your home while you’re away and put extra passive income toward medical debt or other living expenses.
A house of your own can provide a source of stability in a dynamic lifestyle.

Pros of selling your home

With prices of homes on the higher end and interest rates low, you might get an impressive sum for your existing home.
You can use the money from your existing home to put toward a mortgage or rent payment in a more affordable area.

Pros of renting

Renting frees you from many financial obligations related to homeownership.
Lease agreements are less permanent, allowing for more flexibility to relocate and experience many different places and cultures.

Pros of buying a new home

Other cities may be much more affordable for homeowners. Compare an area’s cost of living to the prices of local homes for sale and your new salary to determine affordability.
Your home can be in a more central, practical location.

Know that many agencies offer temporary housing based on the job and location, which could play a major role in deciding the right travel nursing agency to choose and which cities are on your list of new potential homes. While you decide on where to live, think about the perks in some of these cities across the county:

San Jose, CA

With such a dense and diverse population, there is always someone to help and cure, making this city a hotspot for healthcare jobs. Keep in mind; this area is on the higher end of the cost of living scale; however, it also has the highest average base salary for nurses, making it affordable for some. Note that California is one of the fifty states expecting to see a shortage of nurses and the highest demand of travel nurses by 2025, so keep that in mind when considering a career.

Boston, MA

Did you know that Boston is home to the highest metropolitan salaries for RNs in the country? At $98,040 a year, this could be a great metropolitan area to relocate to for big-city lovers. It also has some of the highest numbers of nurses already employed. Boston is amongst the top places to raise a family, the best places for young professionals, and the best cities for outdoor activities in the US, deeming this a great place to consider planting roots.

Honolulu, HI

Shockingly enough, Honolulu tops the list of highest-paying salaries for registered nurses outside of California at just over $106,000 a year and is one of the most sought-after locations for travel nurses. Despite the high cost of living, Hawaii’s appealing geography, the potential for outdoor activities, and active lifestyle make it one of the most attractive places to take a travel nursing career.

Seattle, WA

Compared to cities in states with high costs of living like California, Seattle can be a more affordable place to live with similar lifestyle perks. Travel nurses who have lived and worked here also say that moving here has allowed them to bring home more money at the end of the day compared to other west coast cities and more time to spend with their families. This city is also on the list of best cities to invest in real estate in 2021.

Washington, D.C.

With some of the most esteemed medical facilities in the country, this can be a high-paying location for travel nurses with an average base hourly pay of approximately $40 per hour. D.C. also tops the list of best cities for young professionals, healthiest cities in America, and best cities for outdoor activities. Not to mention it has a plethora of sightseeing and learning opportunities at any museum or monument and plenty of other outdoor and indoor activities.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Are there any cities you think would be ideal for travel nurses this year? Comment them below.

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

July 2, 2021

9729 Views

Top Nursing Shoes for Travel Nurses

Posted on July 2, 2021June 29, 2021 by Amber Pickler

As a travel nurse, you know that, like scrubs, not all shoes are created equally. If you don’t have the right shoes, you risk a long, painful shift and even assignment. Recently, a post in our Gypsy Nurse Facebook group asked for the best shoes for nurses and travel nurses. We have put together a list of the top 5 shoes mentioned in that post. They are below in no particular order.

Brooks

Brooks has made our list of top shoes in the past. They are a running shoe company. Since they specialize in running shoes, you know they strive for comfort. The top 2 shoes from Brooks that were mentioned were Ghost and Levitate. Here is a little more information on each of these.

Ghost: The Ghost shoes are road running shoes. According to their site, Ghost is “Loved by runners for its smooth ride. The Ghost is all about balance. It has just enough given to cushion each step while staying responsive for a quick toe-off. And the upper hits the sweet spot between roomy and secure.” These features make them great for travel nurses who are on their feet for sometimes hours at a time.

Levitate: The Levitate shoes are also road running shoes. According to their site, “To help runners chase down their goals, we introduced the Levitate in 2017. With incredible energy return and a super springy feel, the Levitate is the cornerstone of our Energize category, making each mile feel a little easier. We partnered with the materials company BASF to develop our DNA AMP midsole compound that provides ample energy return — among the highest in our line.”

Brooks offers many more options of running shoes that would make perfect nursing shoes. These are just 2 options to get you started.

Nike

Nike is another brand that makes our list of top nursing shoes often. Again, their shoes are often made for walking, running, and sports. Making their shoes very comfortable and ideal for nurses, travel nurses, and travel healthcare workers. The two most mentioned shoes by Nike were the Vapor Max and Zoom Pulse. Here is a little more information on each.

VaporMax: According to an article on Menshealth.com, you can “expect maximum protection with an incredibly light and flexible feel. To achieve the protective, soft, bouncy, and flexible sensation of VaporMax, the approach was to put the right amount of air underfoot versus employing a ‘more is better’ solution. The unencumbered tubes of air are engineered to deflect on impact while offering the flexibility and stability a runner needs.” All of these features make the VaporMax the perfect nursing shoe.

Zoom Pulse: The Zoom Pulse Nike shoes are, in fact, made for the healthcare industry. According to Nike.com, the Zoom Pulse shoes were “Built for and tested by nurses. The Nike Air Zoom Pulse combines cushioning and flexible traction for a comfortable, natural feel that lasts through long shifts on dry and slippery surfaces. The durable design is easy to clean, pull on and take off to keep you ready for the unexpected.” Making these a top option for you to choose for your next nursing shoes.

Oofos

Oofos offers a line of clogs that are very popular among healthcare workers and their OOmg Low Shoes. Their clogs are said to be a versatile clog that brings unmatched comfort. The clogs have great reviews on the OOfos website. The only negative statement was that these clogs tend to make your feet sweat, so beware of that if you already have hot feet. As for the OOmg Low Shoes, the Oofos website states that their “breathable 4-way stretch mesh fabric introduces a new level of comfort and convenience into your everyday routine.” The biggest complaint we found for the OOmg Low Shoes was that the fit wasn’t quite right, so that is something to be aware of when shopping for these shoes.

Alegria

Alegria was another shoe mentioned frequently in the comments of the Facebook post. They have a few lines of nursing and professional clogs. Many nurses love the feel and comfort of these clogs. They are a little more pricey, but as they say, you pay for what you get. Each line offers its own benefits. Although each has its own benefits, they also have a lot in common Here are just a few of the ways Alegria shoes can also help with a 6-point comfort zone to support you, body, and sole as posted on their website.

Slip-resistant soles with elevated heels in a slight rocker style support movement.
A honeycombed bed reduces shoe weight but increases durability.
Secure, interlocking technology keeps the insert in place.
Soft polyurethane combined with cork on the bottom of the insert cushions your feet and provides arch support.
A memory foam middle contours to your individual foot.
A leather lining provides a soft touch to your sole.

Like technology, shoes change frequently, new ones are added to the market, and changes are made to older ones. We have written articles in the past on the top shoes of that time. We will continue to keep you updated on the best shoes for the travel nurse industry, so you can choose what shoes are right for you, but with a little insider information to help with the decision.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to visit our job board.

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 Titan Medical

June 28, 2021

6684 Views

Summer Sun Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on June 28, 2021June 25, 2021 by Titan Medical

This article was provided by Titan Medical Group.

Whether you’re at the lake, on a boat, or hiking the mountains this summer while having fun in the sun, be sure to keep yourself protected from both the heat and the Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are some safety summer sun tips to help avoid heat exhaustion and sunburns.

-Summer Sun Tips-

1) Water:

Be sure to keep extra bottles of water in your vehicle. Seventy percent of your body is water. It is recommended that you drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to replenish your body, especially in the hot summer months when you’re sweating and doing more outdoor activities to prevent dehydration. Keeping water in your vehicle is a good idea for emergencies in which water might be needed.

2) Attire:

Planning to spend long periods of time in the outdoors? You’ll want to wear a shirt that comfortably covers your shoulders and neck. Dark-colored clothing can provide more protection than loose fabric and lighter colors. You also can’t forget about the pesky bugs that buzz around during those warm and humid summer nights. Just like sunscreen, use insect repellant to avoid irritating bug bites and potential viruses. You can also light citronella candles and/or torches to keep mosquitoes away in your backyard or campsites.

3) Sunscreen:

Using sunscreen on your face is important even on those overcast days when you think you might not need it. Daily use of a moisturizer with SPF is both nourishing, protective, and healthy for your skin. You’ll also want to get a pair of sunglasses that are labeled as blocking UV rays at 100% to protect your vision. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours with an SPF of 30 or more. Reapplying will also be important after swimming or sweating. A suggested tip would be to keep extra sunscreen in your car. That way, you always have some on-hand.

We hope you found these summer sun tips helpful. Do you have any summer sun tips to share with your fellow travel nurses? Comment any summer sun tips you feel others should know below.

Are you currently looking for your next sunny summer travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board.

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 Meg and Ty Dewitt

June 23, 2021

13934 Views

RV Living as a Travel Nurse

Posted on June 23, 2021May 20, 2021 by Meg and Ty Dewitt

Imagine not having to worry about packing up your entire life and finding a furnished apartment every three months. This is just one of the many reasons why vans and RVs are growing in popularity with the travel nurse community. Having a home on wheels helps to remove much of the stress associated with traveling so you can enjoy your time off. So what do you need to know if you are considering RV Living?

RV Living: Housing Tips for Travel Nurse

Choosing your rig:

Based on your needs, there are several options for nomadic homes, including busses, vans, RVs, and travel trailers. A great way to determine which is best for you is by trying it out for yourself temporarily. Some companies allow you to rent a van or RV for a few days. This can give you a feel of which option would work for your lifestyle and how much room you may need. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your home on wheels: how many people are in your household? Do you have pets? What are the necessities you can’t live without?

Downsizing:

If you’ve been travel nursing for a while, you’re probably already used to traveling with a lighter load but travel nursing while living in a condensed space requires the belongings you travel with to become even lighter. When deciding what you will fill your home on wheels with, it is important to determine your wants versus needs. Look at your items and ask yourself if it is something you will use frequently or if it will sit in a corner and take up precious space.

Parking accommodations:

When starting a new assignment, you will need to ensure that the location will fit your parking needs. Parking may vary based on the size and type of your home. For example, if you have an RV that requires electrical and water hookups, you will need to make sure there is an RV park near your hospital. If you have a van that runs off solar power, you may choose to seek out free parking in your area. Some free parking options include the hospital you are working at (it is always best to check in with security and ask where to park. Most hospitals are happy to have you stay there), national forests, BLM land, truck stops, street parking in local neighborhoods, chain stores like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabelas (it is always good to call ahead to ask permission first).

Temperature and Climate:

When choosing an assignment location, consider the season that you will be in for the duration of the contract. Research the average high and low temperatures in that area and be compatible with the climate control that you have inside your rig. With extreme temperatures, whether it be 120 degrees in the desert or single digits in the mountains, living conditions can become very uncomfortable without proper planning. One of the perks of travel nursing is having a say when you take your assignments, so be sure to think about this when deciding on your location.

Security:

One downside to living in your vehicle is having all of your valuables in your rig. This can be stressful when working twelve-hour shifts and being away from your vehicle for that long period of time. Taking extra measures to secure your home on wheels can alleviate some of that stress and give you peace of mind when you are away. Some ways to add extra security measures include installing extra locks on the inside of your vehicle, security cameras, keeping valuables out of sight, having a lockbox hidden to store important documents or valuables. One of the most important steps you can take is being aware of your surroundings and if something feels off, listen to your gut. Making the jump into living in a home on wheels while travel nursing can be a beneficial decision in so many different ways. Although this way of life isn’t always for everyone, those who decide to adopt nomadic living usually don’t regret it. If this is something, you find yourself considering but still have some reservations about it, again, seek out one of the vans or RV rental companies and give it a try for a weekend. It’s always best to be confident before pulling the trigger rather than diving in and then realizing maybe this lifestyle isn’t exactly what you had in mind.

We hope you found these tips for RV living helpful. Are you currently or have you used a van or RV for housing during a travel nurse assignment? Do you have any tips for RV living to share? Comment them below.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 22, 2021

7985 Views

What Healthcare Travelers Should Do in a Post-Pandemic Job Market

Posted on June 22, 2021June 22, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

The healthcare job market has seen unexpected fluctuations over the past 1.5 years. A few months ago, we heard that the demand for travel nurses was greater than the supply due to COVID-19. That number significantly decreased in March 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. It then skyrocketed again in June 2021 as a result of life returning to (somewhat) normal. Although it’s not the industry’s typical busy season, hospital schedules are again filling up with elective surgeries and other healthcare needs.

Within this fluctuating market, many healthcare travelers are also seeing a drop in the weekly pay rates offered. While pay has decreased from crisis rates, which hospitals cannot sustain without assistance, many travel nurse agencies are still reporting an average wage higher than pre-pandemic rates. To find the right jobs with the right pay for you, be sure to tap into your agency’s resources.

What to do in a post-pandemic job market

Know Where to Look for In-Demand Specialties

You might not have time to research industry trends, but your recruiter and agency have a real-time pulse on the market. While the number of COVID-19 jobs is dropping, the demand for other specialties is growing exponentially. You have to know where to look.

Elective surgeries and other non-emergency needs on the back burner during the height of COVID-19 are again coming to the forefront. The demand is high for MedSurg, TELE, ER, and ICU specialties, and increased demand for OR nurses is expected later this year. Ask your agency contacts what trends they are seeing in regions you are interested in visiting and find the place where you will be most helpful next.

Make Yourself as Marketable as Possible

Several factors go into your marketability as a travel nurse, the most obvious factor being the information you include on your resume. Your agency’s clinical department should work with you to create a standout travel nurse profile. Ask your clinical director how they can help you secure the right licenses and certifications to be eligible for higher-paying jobs. Consider being a member of national nursing associations and add your COVID-19 experience to make your resume even more impressive.

Your marketability also goes beyond your travel nurse profile. Hiring managers will look for important soft skills, such as flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to resolve conflict. Be sure to mention these soft skills and any examples that you can provide in your job interviews.

Use Your Agency’s Financial Resources to Save Money

Your agency’s financial resources may help you save money and offset some of your costs. See if your agency has travel reimbursement programs, deals, and discount programs, 401k matching, or access to financial advisors through an Employee Assistance Program. All of these can help you save an extra buck.

Keep in mind. There will always be some assignments that pay more and some that pay less. Weigh your options, use your agency’s resources – from getting assistance on your resume to using programs to save money, and make the best decision in your current situation. Just make sure you pick an agency that has your back through it all.

If you are looking for your next travel nurse assignment in the post-pandemic job market? Click here to visit our job board.

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

June 21, 2021

19334 Views

In-Depth Tenant Background Checks: Screening and Comprehensive Reports

Posted on June 21, 2021December 18, 2023 by Furnished Finder

Once you land a travel nurse job, your attention then shifts to finding a monthly furnished rental. The Gypsy Nurse recommends our partner Furnished Finder for housing, but of course, many travelers look on vacation rental sites as well.

While vacation rental sites may allow you to skip a tenant screening report sometimes, they can be much more expensive because they are catering to vacation-goers. Furnished Finder, on the other hand, doesn’t charge booking fees for their monthly rentals saving travelers hundreds of dollars, but landlords will most likely require a tenant screening report.

What’s the difference between a background check and a tenant screening report?

An employment background check gives the employer criminal, educational, and identity data on the applicant. At the same time, a tenant screening report provides more detailed information relating to your credit, payments, and eviction history.

Hospital-mandated background checks are more of a formality that ultimately protects the hospital. Still, some travel nurses think that since they passed an employment background check when they got hired, they don’t have to complete a tenant screening report from their new landlord. This is false, as they are entirely different.

Can I refuse to complete a tenant screening requested by my landlord?

Yes, of course. However, you will most likely have to find alternative housing, like a vacation rental or a hotel which can be much more expensive.

Simply put, landlords need more information on their tenants than a background check can provide. If a travel nurse were to refuse to complete a tenant screening report, then they may be automatically eliminating themselves from the majority of monthly furnished rentals forcing them to stay in higher-priced short-term accommodations like hotels or vacation rentals.

Do tenant screening reports hurt my credit?

Only hard inquiries harm your credit (such as when you’re buying a car or applying for a mortgage). “Soft-Pull” reports have absolutely no effect on your credit score and do not even show up as an inquiry on your credit report.

Tenant screening reports, such as the ones provided through KeyCheck and other online screening sites, do not harm your credit because they use the popular “Soft-Pull” technique.

Soft pulls are viewed by the credit bureaus as you pulling your own credit report and then essentially sharing it with your landlord. Since a person can view their own credit report without penalty, soft-pull reports bypass the harmful effects of a conventional credit check.

Just like travelers want to be safe and protected when they travel for work, landlords also want to protect themselves as well. When a landlord asks for a tenant screening report, that just means you are one step closer to securing your housing! Plan to pay around $39 for those reports. However, sometimes the cost is absorbed by the landlord.

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 AMN Healthcare

June 14, 2021

13309 Views

10 Ways to Improve Communication with Patients

Posted on June 14, 2021June 8, 2021 by AMN Healthcare

This article was provided by: AMN Healthcare.

While nurses deal with doctors, fellow nurses, and other medical personnel, one of the most important parts of their role is talking to patients. Communication plays a huge role in patient care. Learning how to improve communication skills will make you a better nurse by enabling you to better understand your patient’s needs.

Considering your patient’s perspective is key to preventing encounters that resemble any kind of conflict. Sometimes, the best way to achieve that is to, quite literally, get on their level. You can do this by practicing the following:

1. Assess your body language.

Have your body at the same level as theirs. If necessary, sit in a chair so that you can be face to face and making eye contact. And always face them while speaking.

2. Make your interactions easier for them.

Keep your sentences and questions short, stay on one topic at a time, and explain difficult concepts in clear terms.

3. Show them the proper respect.

Accommodate their requests as much as is safe and prudent. Rather than speaking in commands, offer them choices. Strive to help them maintain their dignity.

4. Have patience.

Due to their age, illness, or cognitive difficulties, they may move and speak more slowly than you do. Give them time to move at their pace. Positive patient communications need not be rushed.

5. Monitor your mechanics.

Speak clearly and slowly, louder than you usually do, but without yelling. Enunciate complex words carefully but use simple language as much as possible.

6. Provide simple written instructions when necessary; use graphics where possible.

Patients coming out of surgery or trauma are less likely to remember everything you’ve told them. An easy-to-follow list of the basic concepts you’ve discussed will help to ensure compliance with their plan of care.

7. Give your patients ample time to respond or ask questions.

This will help them feel like a valued partner in managing their own health and making communicating effectively more likely.

8. Speak slowly.

Nursing is a fast-paced job, and it’s important to be able to relay information quickly to other nurses and doctors. However, when you’re talking to patients, speaking too quickly, or using language and abbreviations they don’t understand can make patients shut down.

9. Don’t be afraid of silence.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but not talking is one of the most important nursing communication skills. Most people find silence during a conversation to be uncomfortable, so if you let there be a pause in the conversation, the patient is more likely to talk to fill the void, giving you valuable information on how they’re feeling physically and mentally, and emotionally.

10. Ask open-ended questions.

Asking yes or no questions makes it too easy for patients to respond in one-word answers, which can mean you don’t get the vital information you need to provide the best level of care. Asking open-ended questions is a nursing communication technique that forces the patient to explain what they’re feeling or experiencing in more detail and makes it easier for you to ask follow-up questions for further evaluation or to create a more specific plan of care.

We hope you found these 10 tips for improving communication with patients helpful. Have you found ways to better communicate with patients? Comment them below. If you would like more tips on travel nursing click here.

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

START HERE

Always make a Plan

Take CBD Supplements

Drink Water

Follow a Routine

Get a Fitness Buddy

Take Time for Yourself

Conclusion

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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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Ask A Travel Nurse: Cancel a Contract

Self-Care Tips for Traveling Nurses

Top Must Packs For Your Travel Nurse Assignment

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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Pros of keeping your home

Pros of selling your home

Pros of renting

Pros of buying a new home

San Jose, CA

Boston, MA

Honolulu, HI

Seattle, WA

Washington, D.C.

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!)

Related Posts

Nursing Goals 101: A Travel Nurse’s Guide to Success

Phone Interview Tips for Travel Nurses

4 Common Mistakes that Travel Nurses Make

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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Brooks

Nike

Oofos

Alegria

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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Baby, It’s Cold Out There

Ask A Travel Nurse: Cold Calling?

12 Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts for Travel Nurse Moms

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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-Summer Sun Tips-

1) Water:

2) Attire:

3) Sunscreen:

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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Where You Should Take Your Next Travel RN Assignment Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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RV Living: Housing Tips for Travel Nurse

Choosing your rig:

Downsizing:

Parking accommodations:

Temperature and Climate:

Security:

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Ways to Celebrate the Holidays During a Travel Nurse Assignment

Insights From Experienced Travel Nurses on Navigating Today’s Job Market

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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