October 25, 2020

67632 Views

The Differences Between Travel Nursing in Canada vs. The United States

Posted on October 25, 2020May 11, 2023 by Haleigh Gorrell

Over the past few months, I’ve been in contact with a lot of other travel nurses via social media, and most of them are from the US! It’s been really cool comparing the differences between travel nursing in Canada vs. the United States, so I figured maybe other people would be interested in it too!

The Healthcare System

I guess one of the biggest differences is the healthcare system itself. Here in Canada, we have universal health care. We have a provincial health card and can go to any clinic or hospital, and by presenting this card, we are provided with all health care services. FOR FREE. We do not get billed for any hospital stay, necessary surgery, or products that are used while admitted. To have a baby, we don’t have to pay. If you have an elective surgery, such as most plastic surgeries, you do have to pay. We pay for prescriptions from pharmacies, dental and eye care, and things like that, but if you have insurance or a benefits package, most of these things are covered. So basically, I can go to any hospital in the country and get care for whatever I need, and the government funds it. Sure, we may pay more taxes than Americans, but I’m not going to get into all of that.

Nursing Aspect

Now let’s move on to the nursing aspect of it. Similar to US state-to-state licensing, Canadian nurses have to apply for licensing in each separate province. If you want to work in British Columbia, you have to pay for and apply for licensing with them, and you cannot work in any other province. I know this is similar to the US except for compact state licensing. Some states will let you work in them if you have a compact license from one of the other states.

Here we have to go through the entire process for each separate province which can be expensive if you have more than one. I currently have an Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia license, and the fees differ throughout the country. In Ontario, it’s only around $300 a year to renew. In Alberta and BC, it cost me about $800 to complete the licensing. That’s also not including the fees for criminal record checks etc.

NCLEX

Nurses in Canada write the NCLEX as well. This started in 2015, the year before I graduated, and now we can go to any province or state, and we don’t have to write any extra exams! We write the American-based exam, and they provide us with the Canadian lab values. There are a couple of things that are on the exam that are a bit foreign to us, but we just make sure we review this while studying!

Hierarchy of Nursing in Canada

For example, the hierarchy of nursing is a little different up here. We have Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered/Licensed Practical Nurses (RPNs/LPNs), and Personal Support Workers (PSWs)/ Health Care Aids (HCAs). The scope of practice for RNs is wide-we can do everything, and if we can’t, a doctor would be the next step up. We go to university for 4 years and get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. In some provinces, laws were recently passed so RNs can actually prescribe medications. RPNs or LPNs have a smaller scope of practice which differs from province to province. They go to a college or technical college for usually only two years.

In Ontario, where I’m from, they can do everything except have patients with central lines, epidurals, telemetry, or if they are a very unstable patient, but this does differ from facility to facility. In Alberta, where I recently worked, it was similar, but LPNs couldn’t spike bags of blood for transfusions or bladder scan patients, for example. It depends on each provinces’ governing body of nurses and their regulations. As a travel nurse, make sure you know the scope of practice for the province you’re working in! We have PSWs who mostly work in long-term care. In Alberta, there were HCAs who would help with washes, transfers, stocking carts, etc.

The hospital where I work back home in Ontario does not have health care aids to do this. We do everything- vitals, feeding, brief changes, answering call bells, mobilizing patients and transfers, blood sugars, processing orders, all medications, everything! I wish we had CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) to help us with the workload, but we are not given that opportunity. Some hospitals across Canada do have PSWs, so maybe it’s just where I live that we have to work harder! As I continue to work in other provinces, I am seeing how other provinces do things, and that is one of my favorite parts of travel nursing.

Contract Length

One big difference that I have noticed about travel nursing in Canada is that we do much shorter contracts. In the US, the standard is 13-week contracts. Here in Canada, we can do much shorter contracts. I’ve done 5, 6, and 8-week contracts so far. I know people who have even done 2-week contracts! I guess this is much easier for us to do because we do not have to find our own housing.

Housing is provided for us on each assignment, even if it means living in a hotel during our contract. All of our travel costs to and from the assignment location are covered as well! I’m sure you could request a housing stipend if you wanted to find your own housing, but I don’t really feel like that is necessary. I’ve stayed in a house with 6 other travel nurses and in a house with a couple that rents out rooms. My next contract, the hospital uses college dorm rooms to house their travel nurses! It’s whatever the hospital decides.

Recruiters

One other big difference that I have noticed is the abundance of agencies and recruiters in the States. We have two in Canada- Solutions Staffing and Select Medical Connections. If there are others, I have never heard of them (sorry)! I am employed by both agencies, and there are plenty of contracts with both, mostly critical care nursing. In the states, the amount of agencies is overwhelming. I have no idea where I would even start to choose one!

Wages

The wages for travel nurses average around $45-55 an hour. The more isolated the community, the more you make. It can also increase if you have a specialty and more experience. In Ontario, staff nurses start at around $31 an hour. And increase with years of experience, so the increase in pay is well worth it to become a travel nurse!

Have you ever thought of travel nursing in Canada!? If you have questions or comments, I would love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram @thetalesof.hales.

Want more information on Travel Nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide!

By Professional Nursing Services

October 8, 2020

7267 Views

Why Do Travel Nurses Travel?

Posted on October 8, 2020May 19, 2021 by Professional Nursing Services

This article was provided by Professional Nursing Services.

As a recruiter, I often get asked by new nurses. Why do people even consider travel nursing?

Everyone has their own reason, but these are the ones I hear most frequently.

Adventure

Traveling is a great opportunity to see more the world. Travel Nursing gives you the opportunity to see more without hurting your bottom line. The average vacation is four days and that not much time to take in a location.

The average travel nursing contract lasts 13 weeks and there is a lot more opportunity to seen an area when you can explore it for weeks on end. Whether it is hiking the Rocky Mountains or visiting the Met in NY, the extended-stay allows you to really take in the whole area.

Pay

Travel Nurses can make a lot more money than staff nurses. Some nurses aren’t worried about where they go or what they see but are there for the money and more money. There are a couple of different ways to effectively maximize your pay.

Picking the right location, everyone wants to go to Cali and the pay seems great but the cost of living takes a lot of the extra money you make. Picking a less desirable location usually has good pay with a very low cost of living.

Taking the maximum subsidies allows you to get paid without pesky taxes and it is completely legal. You will want to consult with an accountant to make sure that you are doing it right.

Pay can be a great motivator for people who aren’t picky on their location.

Experience

When wanting to move up the ranks having experience in different locations with different methods looks great on a resume. While travel nursing is not for everyone, there are a lot of great opportunities for those who want to try it out.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Kevin Devoto

October 7, 2020

7499 Views

6 Essential Health Products to Bring While Traveling

Posted on October 7, 2020January 16, 2023 by Kevin Devoto

Hitting the road and taking a trip is an extremely exciting venture. However, it can turn disastrous if you don’t have the right tools with you. Your body doesn’t have a “vacation mode”, so you need to be sure it stays fit and functional. Figuring out what to bring for your wellness can be difficult. So, here are 6 essential health products to bring while traveling.

1. Medication and Supplements

First and foremost, it’s essential to bring any wanted medications or supplements on your trip. Double-check before you leave to make sure each is packed. Your medications will keep you able to function correctly. A vacation or trip can’t be fully enjoyed without this. If you tend to get allergies from a change in climate, bring along tissues, cough drops, and nasal spray. You may want to consider looking at supplements and formulas to bring. Companies like LCR Health make supplements that increase your overall health and energy. If the price worries you, look into getting an LCR Health coupon.

2. Sanitizers

Now more than ever, bringing sanitizers with you on a trip is vital. This is especially true if you’re using public transportation or communal living space. Have wipes with you to clean any seats others have used. Buy a mini reusable hand sanitizer bottle. You’ll be able to pull it out at any time after touching a potentially hazardous surface. If you’re checking into a hotel, be sure you wipe down any surfaces you’re planning on touching. The last thing you want is to get sick while traveling, so be vigilant with your sanitizing.

3. Layered Clothes

Clothing may not seem like a standard health product, but bringing layers will greatly affect your well-being. If you’re traveling to a cold climate, be sure you have warm apparel. Bring scarves, hats, and gloves. Scarves are particularly vital as covering your throat will prevent sickness. A vacation to a hotter area requires lighter clothing. However, a cold front could necessitate a jacket to be available. Consider your health while choosing clothing for a trip.

4. Healthy Snacks

Everyone has a particular group of favorite foods, and chances are the places you’re going to won’t have them. This also applies to healthy foods. If you’re stuck eating pizza and burgers during the trip, you won’t have enough energy or strength to fully engage. If you bring healthy snacks, you’ll be able to stay satisfied and efficient. Try to find ones that provide protein and energy boosts. These will be especially helpful when you need sustenance in a hurry.

5. Water Bottles

Unless you’re planning on buying armfuls of water bottles at every stop, bring a few reusable ones with you. These are excellent products for a few reasons. One is that they are earth-friendly. Another is that a single bottle will save you money – constantly buying water gets expensive. Lastly, you’ll have water on you at all times. Dehydration can be a huge deterrent on a trip, so try to avoid it at all costs.

6. Exercise Gear

If you’re taking a long trip, you’ll want to be able to continue some regular routines. This includes keeping in shape. Unless your vacation involves some form of athletics, you won’t be maintaining your physical health. Bringing along large equipment is clearly not going to happen, but you should consider investing in smaller exercise products. Bring small weights to aid in your workouts. Resistance bands are also helpful in this regard. If you’re having difficulty finding workouts that will fit in a small room, consider getting a jump rope. Despite what is probably an ever-changing schedule, try to stick with a time for exercising each day.

Maintaining your body’s well being is always a major priority, even when you’re on vacation. Carve out some time to take care of yourself each day. Be sure that you’re ingesting nutritious items. If you bring these products along, your body will stay happy and healthy on your trip.

We hope this list of 6 essential health products to bring while traveling helps you while you are travel nursing or just traveling for leisure. Do you have any health products you would include on this list? 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 trustaff

October 6, 2020

10731 Views

Compliance & Travel Nursing

Posted on October 6, 2020May 19, 2021 by trustaff

This article was provided by Trustaff.

Compliance —

The tedious process between you and your next assignment. As a healthcare professional, you have lots of licenses, certifications, files, etc. that you need to keep organized, and having a general “get ready” process will make it a seamless jump into your future assignments.

While all companies run the compliance process differently, we’ve collected an essential list of tips from a real life trustaff Compliance Pro™ that will make sure you’re always fully compliant and ready to jump into your next adventure!

Tips to help with compliance

Get yourself organized!

Create a secure file on your phone/computer that has all of your documents already scanned. This includes a digital copy of your driver’s license, professional certifications, CEUs, bank information, etc. Most facilities also require an annual physical, annual TB test, documentation for Varicella, MMR, and HepB as their basic medical requirements. Every time you get something new, make sure you save a copy to your folder. Having everything in a central location will help you access them quickly when you’re applying to new positions and will ensure you have them at the ready even while you’re on the road or away from home.

Set calendar reminders

Set calendar reminders on your phone to alert you well in advance of any upcoming expirations. Especially right now during Covid-19, it’s taking longer to get medical results, locate and set up certification courses, and renew licensure, so you may need to jump on those renewals sooner rather than later. If one of your documents expires, it will slow down your compliance process and you won’t be allowed to go to work!

Send your recruiter everything ASAP

Send anything and everything you have to your recruiter as early as possible. This includes things they might not specifically ask for; you never know when you might accept an assignment that needs an NIHSS cert, or a TNCC for example. If your agency has all your documentation on file from the jump, it will make the whole process much easier in the long run, and you won’t get quite so many pesky phone calls.

Be clear & upfront about your schedule during the onboarding period.

If you are working every day for the following week, be sure to let your team know so they plan ahead and help find locations for testing with hours that will work for you, or help find a certification course that can accommodate your schedule.

By doing all of the above, you’ll set yourself up for a much less stressful onboarding process. BUT, on top of all that, be prepared to also complete some sort of facility-specific “learning modules” or online requirements. This is a major shift that we have noticed over the past 10 years, whereas previously it might have been part of an in-person orientation. Most facilities want you to be “fully compliant” prior to showing up in person on your first day–which means they’ll also want any modules or online onboarding to be completed and confirmed before your start date.

Stay calm and trust your onboarding/credentialing team as they help you navigate this process!

By Lirika Hart

October 2, 2020

8025 Views

7 Benefits of Regular And Daily Physical Activity

Posted on October 2, 2020May 19, 2021 by Lirika Hart

Do you want to feel good, increase your energy, and even improve the quality of your life? Just engage in regular and daily physical activity. The different physical activities that you can do include power walking, jogging, running, swimming, dancing, and bike riding, just to name a few. Being physically active allows you to enjoy a variety of benefits. It may even add a couple of years to your quality life.

Here are 7 benefits you can reap from engaging in consistent and daily physical activity.

1. Keeps Body Weight in Check

Being active enables you to be in great shape. It helps you keep excess fats away or maintain weight loss by burning calories. To burn more calories, consider increasing the intensity of the activity. Despite going to the gym, you can start doing some exercise while going to work. Let’s say, if you work in a co-working space that offers a place to leave your bike, you can definitely ride to the office. This will enable you to have some physical activity twice per day while going to and coming back from work. On the other hand, going to the gym regularly is an excellent way to stay physically active. But if you can’t squeeze time into your schedule due to work obligations or other personal reasons, just strive to remain active throughout the day. Use the stairs rather than the elevator and take a brisk walk during coffee and lunch breaks. Above all, remember consistency is the key to reaping the maximum benefits of physical activity.

2. Builds and Maintains Healthy Bones and Muscles

Consistent and daily exercise helps you build and maintain strong bones and muscles. Lifting weights and riding a bike coupled with sufficient protein intake can encourage muscle building. If you’re considering cycling as your go-to activity for maintaining your musculoskeletal health, you might be interested in investing in electric bike kits to integrate on your normal bike, which will give you a new cycling experience while you at the same time build your muscle mass and stamina.

With age, people experience loss of muscle mass and function, putting them at high risk of injuries and physical impairments. Consistent physical activity plays an important role in lowering muscle loss and improving your strength even as you age. It also helps you strengthen your bones and maintain bone density.

3. Boosts Mood

A host of studies show that regular physical activity can be a great mood booster. It can combat feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression by stimulating changes in the sections of the brain responsible for controlling anxiety and stress. It can also stimulate numerous brain chemicals, which may make you happier, calmer, and less anxious.

4. Brings Back the Spark in Your Sex Life

Are you struggling to enjoy physical intimacy? In addition to increasing your energy levels, continuous and daily physical activity can improve how you feel regarding your physical appearance, which may add the much-needed spark to your sex life. On top of that, it may improve arousal for women and reduce the risk of developing erectile dysfunction for men.

5. Fights Off Life-threatening Health Conditions and Diseases

Are you looking for ways to prevent or manage serious health problems? Being physically active increases the level of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) and reduces unhealthy triglycerides. This leads to a smooth flow of blood throughout the body, which lowers your risk of heart diseases. Regular physical activity does an excellent job of preventing or managing a wide range of other health problems like stroke, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, various forms of cancer, and high blood pressure. More importantly, it can boost cognitive function and bring down the odds of death from nearly all causes.

6. Source of Fun and Social Life Improvement

Regular exercise adds fun to your life. It offers you an opportunity to relax in a style, explore the outdoors, or just participate in fun-filled activities. It can help you build a strong bond with your friends or family members, especially when you’re exercising together in a fun social environment. So start cooking lessons, sign up for a dance class, or get some electric bike kits for an enjoyable ride. Look for an enjoyable physical activity and have fun.

7. Relax and Enjoy Quality Sleep

Are you always tired? Do you struggle to fall asleep? Physical activity can help you unwind and get sufficient, restful sleep. The energy depletion that happens when you exercise accelerates the recuperative process as you sleep. People with sleep disorders can benefit from being active all the time.

Key Takeaways

Regular and daily physical activity provides amazing benefits that can enhance your overall health. It increases the levels of brain hormones, which can guarantee you a happy feeling and better sleep. It can help you combat serious health conditions, achieve your dream body, and make your sex life better.

By Cross Country Nurses

September 30, 2020

5852 Views

Will COVID-19 and the Pandemic Affect the 2020-2021 Flu Season for Travel Nurses?

Posted on September 30, 2020May 19, 2021 by Cross Country Nurses

This article provided by Cross Country Nurses.

Travel nurses are used to having more available opportunities during flu season, as most hospitals face a rise in patient census during this time. This year, however, hospitals will be facing a new challenge that will only exacerbate their nursing shortages: COVID-19. With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continuing to rise nationwide, there are several variables that hospitals need to be prepared for, including the possibility that patients could be infected with both viruses simultaneously and be hospitalized more than once if they contract both viruses separately. Both scenarios have the potential to increase nurse demand this flu season. Hospitals are moving quickly to address these possibilities by securing the additional nursing staff they expect to require now.

Will COVID-19 Cause Hospitalizations to Increase During the 2020-2021 Flu Season?

Scientists and healthcare professionals are learning more about COVID-19 and how it affects patients by the day. As more information is gained, treatments for COVID-19 patients have improved and hospitalizations appear to have decreased and often been of shorter duration. That said, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has warned that flu viruses and COVID-19 are likely to be circulating at the same time this fall and winter. While no one can predict exactly how many people will be infected by any of these viruses, the logical conclusion based on this fact is that hospitalizations will increase this flu season compared to last, which according to the CDC, included tens of millions of cases and tens of thousands of deaths.

Will COVID-19 Restrictions Help Stop the Spread of Flu During the 2020-2021 Season?

Travel restrictions, social distancing, and the wearing of masks have all been shown to stop the spread of COVID-19 in numerous countries worldwide as well as communities here in the United States. According to some reports, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, who are already in the height of their flu season, are experiencing a lower number of flu cases compared to last year. Local health officials there point to widespread adoption of COVID-19 restrictions as the reason.

While this might give health officials here hope if people largely continue to embrace the restrictions, there is an important variable to consider in the change of weather that occurs during our flu season. Colder temperatures will likely lead to more people crowding together in indoor spaces without masks. Additionally, the symptoms of common winter colds, including coughing and sneezing, are likely to spread COVID-19 virus particles from infected persons, whether or not they know they are infected.

Why Travel Nurses Should Secure Their Flu Season Assignments Now.

With so many unknown variables this flu season, and with all they have learned about the resources necessary to treat COVID-19 patients, many hospitals are being proactive in seeking out the additional healthcare staff they expect to need in the coming months. Nurses, especially those with ICU, Med/Surg, Tele, and ED specialties, are currently in the highest demand and already being sought to fill anticipated openings. This is why we suggest travel nurses start searching for the assignments they want most now before those openings are filled. The sooner you act to lock down an assignment, the more likely it will be in the city and clinical setting that most appeals to you.

Ready to secure your travel nurse assignment for the 2020-2021 flu season? Search our Job Board for your next assignment!

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Go Healthcare Staffing

September 29, 2020

5168 Views

What Are Travel RN’s Going to Look at this Fall/Winter?

Posted on September 29, 2020July 19, 2022 by Go Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

Usually, during fall, a large group of Travel RNs starts looking at their next assignment in warm climates such as Florida or Arizona. BUT welcome to 2020 where nothing is the norm.

Your fall assignment?

With the Virus not under control yet and a vaccine still unknown, picking your next assignment will leave you with many choices if you are part of the in-demand specialties. Some but not all include ICU, TELE, and Med Surg to name a few. Typically we have the mass migration of snowbirds, which is our oldest and most cared for a population when it comes to healthcare. Now? A lot are opting to stay put due to the Virus.

So what does this mean?

If you add in the pending flu season with the Virus and states opening, this is a recipe for a large demand for healthcare professionals. So travel nurses who usually go South may want to step back and look at their options. Pay levels have increased across the states (minus Covid care which has subsided if you contracted the Virus on assignment). The demand for certain specialties will reach an all-time high over the next few months even with a vaccine due to the rollout and people’s insecurity about taking a vaccine until proven 100% safe. Travel RNs will have the opportunity of these options: to take an assignment where they could be near family for the holidays, receive better pay at a non-traditional winter location, or still choose to go to warmer climates.

This is a time when nothing is normal.

Travel Nursing is no exception. Be smart about your decision-making and do your homework. More money does not always mean a great working environment. Nor does warmer weather!

Have you started looking at your next assignment? Does it differ this year? Comment 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 Medely

September 22, 2020

10951 Views

Seven Ways Travel Nurses Can Maximize Their Pay

Posted on September 22, 2020May 19, 2021 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

From picking up per diem shifts to going back to school, there are multiple ways for travel nurses to earn more.

No one goes into nursing to get rich – most nurses are answering a call to help others. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ensure you’re being paid well while providing care. There’re many different ways to increase your pay as a nurse, but we’ve put together some of our top suggestions. Some of these tips are easy to implement – others will take time, a personal investment, and drive.

If you’re here, it’s likely you’re already a travel nurse – or at least considering it. This is a great first step to maximizing your earnings. Travel nurses make 20% more than non-travel nurses on average.

These tips assume you’re already working as a travel nurse. But enough preamble – let’s jump into our…

Seven tips to maximize pay as a travel nurse

Tip #1: Location, location, location

It’s true in real estate and it’s true for travel nurses. Whether it’s a local shortage of qualified professionals or just a higher cost of living, some markets simply pay better. Metropolitan areas typically pay better than rural ones. Non-hospital roles often pay better as well.

Just be careful of the geographies that pay more because the cost of living is higher. You might wind up just spending that extra pay on higher rent and groceries.

Tip #2: Pick up per diem shifts while on assignment

Picking up per diem shifts is a great way to maximize your pay during the coronavirus pandemic. Many cities are still under fairly strict lockdown mandates and your options for fun and adventure are limited. If your contract allows for overtime, working an extra shift or two at your current facility is easy to do. But it’s probably better for your career to work with different facilities in your market.

Working extra shifts at different facilities isn’t just about more money. It allows you to grow your network by working with different staff and doctors. Not only that, but you’re also able to see how different professionals approach various procedures and how they provide care.

Your choice in a travel nursing agency may impact this. Some agencies don’t offer per diem work or allow you to work with another agency to book shifts. While some travel nursing tech platforms, like Medely, offer both assignments and per diem right in the same app.

While there are a lot of benefits to working per diem shifts while on assignment, there can be drawbacks too. It’s important to make sure you get enough time off and rest. Your patients deserve the best care you can give, not what little gas you have left in the tank.

Tip # 3: Take less desirable shifts

From TGIF to “Woo-hoo! Three day weekend!” most of us think of work as Monday through Friday day shifts. But weekends, holidays, and night shifts all typically pay better for the exact same work as a weekday shift. Not everyone can make these less-desirable shifts fit their day-to-day schedule or travel plans, but the benefits are clear. If it works for you, these shifts can earn you an average of a few dollars more per hour.

Tip #4: Maximize your tax benefits and travel perks

Travel nursing typically includes per diem stipends for lodging and meals. These are generally tax-free up to a certain amount, which is set by the General Services Administration (GSA) and differs by geography and time of year.

How travel nursing agencies approach stipends can be wildly different. Some reimburse you for your actual expenses, up to the maximum. Others will offer a flat amount lower than the GSA recommendations for your location. And others, like Medely, offer the maximum tax-free stipend amount for your location on every assignment.

Obviously this isn’t the only deciding factor in the agency you choose. But if you work as a travel nurse for the majority of the year, they can add up to a large amount of your income quickly.

Tip #5: Pursue a new specialty

It’s no secret that certain specialties pay better. CRNA and Nurse Practitioners are at the top of the list but come with an advanced degree requirement. ICU and ER nursing traditionally pay well – but they come with a higher stress level. And any change in specialty will require you seizing the right opportunity. Yet another reason for building your professional network is important.

But if you’re up for the challenge, the pay off is clear. The degrees, certifications, and experience can add up to a specialty that pays six figures instead of five. Speaking of getting a new degree…

Tip #6: Earn an advanced degree

Earning a master’s degree is the first step to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). It’s also the way to move into education, research, or climbing the ladder in healthcare administration. Each of these career paths holds considerable income potential, but they’re not for everyone. Not only do they require an incredible investment of time and money, but the programs themselves are rigorous and competitive. On top of that, several of these career moves will limit how much direct patient care you provide.

Tip #7: Get creative with facility and industry choices

Most people automatically think of hospitals and family practice when thinking of nursing – and certainly, that’s where many nurses work. But there’s plenty of work for nurses outside of that setting in both full-time roles and as side work. You can pick up shifts as an insurance nurse, tutor local nursing students, provide telehealth support, offer medical transcription or technical writing services, and much more. Not only can you earn extra income by working in these areas, but you might also discover something new that you’re passionate about.

Find the right balance for you

Whether you need a couple of extra dollars an hour or you want to move into a new tax bracket – the right choice will be different for everyone.

Some of these choices are fairly simple. Picking up travel assignments in a better market or finding an agency that pays you better can maximize your pay with minimal risk. Working third shift or eating up your time off with per diem shifts may help you meet a temporary goal, but may not fit your lifestyle.

Working around the clock can quickly lead to burnout. Providing medical transcription may bore you to tears. So don’t be afraid to try something and decide it’s not for you. No matter your choices, money is secondary to your health, happiness, and the level of care you give your patients.

We hope you found these tips for to help maximize pay helpful. Have you found any ways to help you maximize pay? Comment them below.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Kevin Devoto

September 18, 2020

6807 Views

Fun Tips for Travel Nursing

Posted on September 18, 2020May 19, 2021 by Kevin Devoto

If you are a nurse looking to try something new and exciting, you should consider travel nursing! Travel nursing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. As a Registered Nurse, you work with a travel nurse staffing agency that sends you out to travel to different hospitals that are lacking in resources and need extra nurses for certain periods of time. Contracts typically last around thirteen weeks and then you move on to another spot.

This provides an opportunity for nurses to continue the work they love while also seeing new places and meeting new people. With this interesting job comes unique circumstances, and you may find yourself looking for some help in figuring out how to best utilize those circumstances. Here are a few fun tips for anyone looking into travel nursing.

Take The Long Way

If you get a contract to work somewhere abroad, you can look for a fun way to get there. For example, if you know you will be working in Bermuda, you can make your way to that location on fun Bermuda cruises. This can help you settle into your travel routine while also giving you the mental legroom to switch from being at your home and in your home city to moving around. You can also engage in fun activities while on your cruise that can help you reduce any new job jitters. Sightseeing your way to your new job’s location could prove to be a fantastic way to get there!

Do As the Locals Do

Wherever you get assigned it is good to remember that people live there permanently. You are a tourist in their town. So, you should be respectful of that privilege. When locals see that respect, they typically will feel safe sharing neat spots around town with you that you may not have found on your own. The best local restaurants, hiking spots, surfing spots, and more are not going to be relinquished to just anyone and you must take this knowledge with respect and not overshare it on social media. Although it may seem annoying not to be able to share the knowledge of the sweet spots, you will find that your experiences are richer and help destress you from the potentially stressful nature of nursing as a job.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes are an interesting and clever way to have an easy to travel wardrobe that is versatile, classy, and can fit into one suitcase. As you begin your travel nursing journey you will find that less is more when it comes to packing. On your days off when you do not want to wear your work scrubs, you will not want to be rifling through your suitcase or hotel room drawers to find the best outfit. Instead, you can pick from a combination of a few well made, durable, versatile, and cute options for the weather and activities you have laid out ahead of you. Dressing to impress is easier when you have a few key pieces that all work together and fit you perfectly. This would be a great tip to put your travel nursing salary towards. Many people have discovered that investing in a few highly-priced items will benefit you in the long run as opposed to buying and replacing cheaper clothes.

Don’t Leave Your Furry Friend Behind

If you have a dog or a cat or another pet who you think is the only thing keeping you at home, then fear no more. Your furry friend can travel with you to your destination. Think of how much fun they will have exploring the streets of a new city by your side on your days off work. Your pet can also help you feel more comfortable as you adjust to the new life of travel nursing.

Travel nursing is currently blowing up as people realize they can travel, make money, and help people. It is a really cool way to meet new people and explore new places. You will certainly never be bored!

We hope you found these travel nursing tips helpful. Do you have any travel nursing tips to share? Comment them below.

The Healthcare System

Nursing Aspect

NCLEX

Hierarchy of Nursing in Canada

Contract Length

Recruiters

Wages

Want more information on Travel Nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide!

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Adventure

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Experience

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1. Medication and Supplements

2. Sanitizers

3. Layered Clothes

4. Healthy Snacks

5. Water Bottles

6. Exercise Gear

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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Compliance —

Tips to help with compliance

Get yourself organized!

Set calendar reminders

Send your recruiter everything ASAP

Be clear & upfront about your schedule during the onboarding period.

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1. Keeps Body Weight in Check

2. Builds and Maintains Healthy Bones and Muscles

3. Boosts Mood

4. Brings Back the Spark in Your Sex Life

5. Fights Off Life-threatening Health Conditions and Diseases

6. Source of Fun and Social Life Improvement

7. Relax and Enjoy Quality Sleep

Key Takeaways

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