November 29, 2018

18813 Views

Travel Nursing: Experiences of Nurses Around the World

Posted on November 29, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel nursing is a career that offers both flexibility and adventure. The job requires nurses to experience working around the world, and after a few weeks or months, they move to another place. The main reason this concept was initiated was due to the lack of ample nurses in different regions.

It looks exciting, for sure. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing this career.

The advantages:

Travel Nursing: Experiences of Nurses Around the World

High income: Travel nurses are among the highest paid healthcare personnel. They also receive tax-free stipends, healthcare and retirement benefits, bonuses and generous reimbursements.
Career growth: Through encountering different facilities, travel nurses learn to be more flexible.
Adventure: Since travel nursing involves a lot of travelling, you will find yourself in new and unusual places with each posting.
Exposure to new cultures: The world is a hub for different cultures. A career in travel nursing exposes you to some of these cultures.
Freedom and flexibility: As a travel nurse you get to choose where you want to work and when. Therefore, you choose the time you spend with friends and family.

The disadvantages:

Temporary employment: In most cases, travel nursing employment is contract-based. You end up jobless when a deal comes to an end.
No paid time off Most companies doesn’t offer time off to travel nurses.
Low or no insurance benefits: They get low insurance benefits because they are based on taxable wages, which are also low.
Difficult to maintain personal relationships: Time spent traveling often means long-distance relationships.

I moved to New Zealand in 2001 because I wanted to visit a new place and explore a different culture. I started working at Wellington Hospital in the intensive care department.

Later I got married to Andrew, and we now have two beautiful children, Conor and Aidan. In 2017 I received a PhD in nursing, and I’m a full-time academic at Victoria University of Wellington researching on nursing values. At the moment here in New Zealand, nurses are complaining about the low pay, lousy working conditions and low staffing.

Sharon Steeves

I work at DeSalaberry District Health Center in southern Manitoba, Canada. I love my nursing career because this is what I have always wanted to do, since I was four years old.

The theme of International Nurses Day for this year motivated me to join a group of other protesters to agitate about the ongoing cuts to our health services. I like how as nurses we come together to ask for justice and human rights.

Laura Byrne

I’m currently working as a volunteer in a community clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. The clinic mostly deals with refugees from DRC, Zimbabwe and Central African Republic.

The nursing experience for me has been very challenging here because it is different from what I’m used to in Ireland. The patients here are vulnerable, and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and TB are prevalent compared to Ireland.

The Irish nursing degree has helped me work in different environments. For instance, I had the opportunity to work in Australia as an agency nurse for a year. I have also worked for Princess Cruises for a year, and I loved it there.

Michelle Roche

I left Ireland five years ago, and since then I have been working in Victoria, Australia. Emigrating is the best decision I have ever made; working full time in Ireland I was never able to pay my bills.

Here in Australia, I have a good life; I am well compensated for the hard work. I am now a unit manager and there are numerous opportunities available to me.

Kerr Janer

I am a paediatric nurse from Limerick, Dublin where I used to work earlier in a children’s hospital. Currently, I work at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh City. Emigrating has grown my career and also led to personal development. I now work in a big specialist hospital with people from different cultures. There is better pay here with free accommodation and 54 days paid annual leave.

Without a doubt, travel nursing is one of the best things that happened to the nursing community. From the experiences shared above by several nurses, it’s clear that emigrating has been very beneficial. Most of them now work with flexible schedules and receive high incomes. By working in different environments, they have gained personal and professional growth.

Though it comes with some disadvantages like being away from family and difficulties in adapting to a new environment, it is still one of the best careers. It is important that nurses are opting to move away from low-paid jobs and lousy working conditions. Nurses do great work so they should be respected and paid well. There are various organisations around the world that have come up to help nurses fight for their rights and also help them get better job deals around the world.

Sandy Getzky is the executive coordinating editor at The Global Nail Fungus Organization, a group committed to helping the 100+ million people suffering from finger and toenail fungus. Sandy is also a registered Herbalist and member of the American Herbalist’s Guild.

Email:

sandygetzky@gmail.com
sandy@nationalnailfungus.org
sandy@provemymeds.com (with Gravatar account)

By Aaron Clouser

November 4, 2018

17884 Views

Camp Nursing: What You Need to Know

Posted on November 4, 2018May 20, 2021 by Aaron Clouser

This is a guest post from: Aaron Clouser

It’s 8 am, you hear the loudspeaker outside “GOOOOODDDD MORNING CAMPERS!!! It’s Saturday, todays activities are…bunks 1-10 please have your laundry ready for pickup…”, and any other general announcements for the day.

But wait, who am I kidding? I’m filling my wagon with inhalers and the bins of the countless allergy and PRN meds that my campers take. That’s right, I said MY campers.

You see, camp nursing isn’t just a job, it’s a commitment, it’s family, it’s being a nurse, a mom or dad, a mental health counselor, a calm voice in the panic, and a trusted professional; 24/7 for the duration of the summer.

Still with me? Okay great! Then you may want to think about exploring this rewarding opportunity that your nursing degree can offer you.

Let’s go on with our day. We packed the morning meds and head to the dining hall. Most bigger camps have a few nurses and sometimes a nurse aide, so this doesn’t have to be you every morning. In true fashion, the dining hall is chaos. You think having 2 hungry kids at home in the morning is hard, try 500! They flood in by bunk, previewing the days offering on their way to their table. You get a few coming for pre-meal meds, but all that most of them think about is their growling stomachs and all the activities they are doing that day. At some point in their meal, they stroll to the med table, wait in line, take their meds, and go about their day. Inevitably you will get a few that want to show you a new rash they found or a bug bite, just like your friends and family do in the real world.

After breakfast, you pack up and head back to the health center. This is usually where the nurses live and work out of, and where sick campers stay overnight if needed. (Many camps offer private accommodations with air conditioning, TV, and internet for the nurses.) Then it’s time for clinic. My camp held clinic twice a day, after breakfast and before dinner. The camp doctor will come over and the nurses running clinic will triage the campers and decide who needs to see the doctor. Camps usually have protocols in place to allow nurses to treat common injuries, so not everyone has to see the doctor. Clinics can run 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how many campers come in. The complaints can run anywhere from runny noses to joint pain to rashes and colds. The doctor may write some prescriptions that need to be sent to the pharmacy, and some campers may have fevers and must stay in the health center. Clinic wraps up and things usually calm for the rest of the morning.

This is a great time for some leisure, and one of the best benefits of being a camp nurse. Camps encourage the nurses to use the facilities of the camp during their downtime. This could range from lake and pool activities, to arts and crafts, gymnastics, archery, and hiking. There is plenty of downtime during the days to read a good book, or simply enjoy nature.

While the on-duty nurse is at the health center, they typically see a few campers trickle in for ice packs or prn meds throughout the day, but this should not be a constant stream of kids. We would send many away and encourage them to come to next clinic, if still necessary. Remember, camp nursing is sometimes parenting. At home, you would tell your kid to walk it off, and not schedule a doctor appointment for every sniffle or pain. Same goes for camp! Of course, the broken bones or serious cuts are treated immediately, and can come in at any time. Your camp may be able to treat some, and others would have to be sent to the ER or out for an X-ray.

Lunch is typically light for medications, and the nurses can prep for dinner and night meds and relax during the afternoon. Every camp has their own system for medications. Mine had pre-made packets for each camper that came from an outside company, and we used paper MAR’s to keep track of them.

Before dinner, the clinic was open and ran the same as in the morning. Just like the doctor’s office or ER you worked in, you will have your “frequent flyers” and kids and counselors that just need reassurance that their bug bite will not turn them into a monster. The counselors come for treatment too. Many of them are from all over the world and they are usually in their late teens and twenties. Did I mention you’re parenting them too? Dinner meds were typically similar to breakfast ones.

After dinner, most camps have some sort of evening activity. These range anywhere from a play put on by the campers, to outside entertainers like bands and magicians. This was always a fun time to immerse myself into the camp lifestyle, and really form a bond with the campers. Going back summer after summer, you see them grow and develop into young adults.

Night meds were done at the health center, and typically were low volume. At night, one nurse is typically on call. You tuck in the overnight campers and make calls to parents if needed. Campers can come during the night with their counselors if they need to be seen. Usually this would only be for fevers or if someone woke up vomiting. There were nights where I slept straight through, and some where I’d be woken by the knock on my door a few times.

If you made it through the day with me, I’ll tell you a little more.

Camp nursing is awesome! What it isn’t is a vacation. There will be stress and times you question your sanity. Try it for a summer, you won’t regret it! It gets you out of the typical healthcare setting and exposes you to a side of nursing long forgotten. When I was travel nursing, my summers were spent at camp. 8 weeks away from call bells and sirens, making life long friends from around the world, and developing my sense of autonomy. Room and board included, I hardly spent any money the entire summer, and came back refreshed. I did everything from flight nursing, to ED and ICU, and still enjoy helping in between my full-time job on weekends at camp since 2006.

Respectfully yours in Nursing,

Aaron Clouser RN BSN

By The Gypsy Nurse

September 5, 2018

7526 Views

Best Road Trip Stops from LA to Seattle

Posted on September 5, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

So it’s that time again; your next adventure awaits! We saw some of you lovely people reaching out for the best road trip stops from LA to Seattle and based on your responses we made you a quick little cheat sheet! Here’s a list of the best attractions, nature and grub for your next 13 week adventure on the West Coast.

Redwood National Park-

There’s just not many things that can make you feel as small on this big planet then standing next to a mammoth tree in California’s Redwood forests. This park for instance is home to tallest of all the redwood trees. For the Instagram savvy, you may want to stop at the Drive-Thru Park and pay $5 to drive through one and get to snap a quick picture to prove it!

Cannon Beach –

Cannon Beach is truly like a dream come true. Celebrated as one of America’s 10 most beautiful towns on the West Coast, there’s a little something to captivate everyone. Personally, I like exploring and taking in the sights, so Haystack Rock would be a must for me to enjoy the landscape, the areas Tufted Puffins and the beautiful marine life in the tide pools. For those more adventurous, you should check out the zip-line tours, surf classes or even a helicopter ride!

Yosemite –

Found in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite and it’s indescribable beauty is on most adventurers bucket list. It’s best known for it’s breathtaking waterfalls, but has nearly 1,200 square feet of landscape to roam and explore. Camping sites are available for tents, as well as RV’s, if have a few days to unwind and enjoy in the great outdoors.

Crater lake-

With it’s crystal clear and nearly pristine fresh water, Crater Lake is a must-see for those traveling through Oregon’s,Cascade Mountain Range. This beauty was created nearly 7,700 thousand years ago from volcanic eruption that caused a mountain peak to collapse. The water gets it fascinating beauty from rain and snow, and is the deepest lake in the United States!

Monterey –

Roll down Highway 1 and take in all that Monterey has to offer. Like the rest of these sites, there is so much beauty in nature that it’s hard to make a short list! Some of the top attractions are famous Bixby Bridge on the way to Big Sur, hang-gliding above Marina State Beach and diving deep with the scuba team at Seven Seas Scuba. If you’re lucky enough to travel with your significant other, you have to check out Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove.

Do you have any other suggestions? Places I’m crazy to have not mentioned? Drop a comment below and let us know! We love hearing about your experiences so we can share them with our growing gypsy community!

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 25, 2018

15946 Views

How and Why You Should Become a Travel Nurse

Posted on August 25, 2018June 5, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Nurses are in higher demand than ever, especially since many will soon retire. According to at least one study, the U.S. will need to add at least 5.6 million new healthcare professionals by 2020, and 4.6 million will need some college education. All of this adds up to a rosy future for travel nurses. Sign on with a travel nursing agency, and you can take temporary positions around the country or even abroad. You’ll receive competitive pay and benefits and the ability to work as much or as little as you want. Many agencies provide you with housing and travel reimbursements.

Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Perhaps the primary benefit of working as a travel nurse is the ability to travel. The typical travel nursing assignment lasts about 13 weeks, so you’ll have the opportunity to spend more than three months exploring a new city or rural area. Perhaps you love skiing — wouldn’t it be nice to spend three months of the winter in Colorado? Or maybe you like the beach — you could spend time working in Florida, California, or even Hawaii. Nurses are in high demand everywhere, so there’s no limit to where you can go as a travel nurse. Nursing already offers great flexibility, but travel nursing offers even more than standard staff positions. You can work anywhere from four weeks to an entire year, then take a month off if you prefer.

You can expect to earn more money than an ordinary staff nurse — as of June 2023, pay packages range from $2,000 per week gross and up. Many agencies offer 401(k) plans with contribution matching, and you can qualify for medical and dental benefits. You can be reimbursed for continuing education or receive opportunities for free continuing education credits. Housing is also covered — you’ll either receive a housing allowance commensurate with the area’s cost of living or be assigned free housing offered by the hospital where you work. Perhaps best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to experience how hospitals and clinics in different parts of the country and world do things and to improve your patient care skills thanks to the experience.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

To become a travel nurse, you will first need to earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX to obtain your RN. Once you’re an RN, you should work in a hospital for at least a year to gain the experience you’ll need to make yourself an attractive travel nurse candidate. A certification in your specialty can also help you gain a travel nursing position.

Most travel nurses work for a travel nursing agency that places qualified nurses in positions around the country. You’ll receive most of your benefits, including health care, housing, retirement, and travel reimbursement, from the agency itself, not from the hospitals where you work. Usually, you’ll be interviewed by a hiring manager at the agency; you may or may not also be interviewed by a unit manager at the hospitals and clinics to which you travel for assignments. Most travel nurses have preferences for where they would like to travel, and you always have the option to accept or decline a contract. In addition, the agency will do its best to place you as close as possible to your preferred city.

Travel nursing is a great career option for a nurse passionate about travel. It’ll allow you to see the country and the world, learn from a greater variety of healthcare professionals, make new friends, and have experiences that will be the envy of your loved ones back home. Give travel nursing a try, and start making the most of your life.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 18, 2018

101678 Views

Travel Nurse Guide Introduction

Posted on August 18, 2018January 4, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

As many of you know, The Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Guide has helped hundreds of would-be travel nurses over the years get started on their travel adventures. Where to start travel nursing? The Gypsy Nurse Travel Nurse Guide is a great travel introduction for nurses trying to decide if this is the path they want to take.

In this travel nursing guide, I’ll be breaking down each of the following steps into easy-to-follow directions. It is recommended that you follow them in order. If you have any questions that aren’t covered in our travel introduction, please feel free to join our network on Facebook and post them there: Travel Nurse Network – The Gypsy Nurse or contact us directly here.

Using the Travel Nursing Guide

Knowing where to start when you’re a new travel nurse can be a bit daunting. Due to this, we’ve broken our travel nursing guide down into easy-to-digest snippets. The guide is designed so that you can jump into it at any point. However, it’s recommended that you use the travel nursing guide beginning at Step #1. Even if you have already completed a travel nurse contract, this guide will help you to be better prepared. Furthermore, our agencies tell us that members that follow the guide are more organized and ready to tackle travel nurse challenges.

Travel Nurse Guide: Assessment

When you are thinking about travel nursing and just don’t know how to start, we recommend that you go through these steps to figure out if travel nursing is right for you. Additionally, completing these steps will make you better at effectively communicating your needs to the agency.

Step #1: Determine Why You Want to Travel
Step #2: What Do You Want/Need out of Travel?
Step #3: Where and When Are You Willing to Go?
Step #4: Understanding the Myths
Step #5: Know Your Deal-Breakers

Travel Nurse Guide: Planning

Now that you’ve decided to start travel nursing, here is where the work begins. Completing all of these steps will help you start travel nursing with ease. Planning is your key to success!

Step #6: Building your Travel Portfolio
Step #:7 Research Travel Nurse Agencies
Step #8: Submission of Your Profile
Step #:9 Working With Your Recruiter(s)
Step #:10 Prepare For the Interview
Step #:11 Preliminary Contract Negotiations
Step #:12 Determine if The Job is A Good Fit
Step #:13 Sealing the Deal
Step #:14 Get Ready for the Journey
Step #:15 Packing for the Travel Nurse
Step #:16 Prepare Your Vehicle
Step #:17 Keeping Track of the Paperwork
Step #:18 Make It A Great Road-Trip

Travel Nurse Guide: Implementation

The first travel nursing assignment is usually the most intimidating. You’re heading into an unknown world, and we’re here to help with every step of the way. From your arrival at your new location all the way through the entire contract, we provide a guide on what you need to focus on. Above all, this guide is designed to ease some of those fears.

Step #:19 Arrival On Location
Step #:20 Settling In (unpacking and finding the necessities)
Step #:21 The countdown Begins: Your Travel Nurse Assignment Day One
Step #22 How to Make the Most of Your Travel Nurse Contract
Step #23 Travel Nurse Contract – 8 Weeks to go
Step #:24 Travel Nurse Contract – 4 Weeks to Go
Step #:25 Travel Nurse Contract – 2 Weeks Left
Step #26: The Final Week
Step #27: Wash….Rinse…Repeat!!

We hope you find this travel nurse guide helpful. If there are items that you feel should be addressed here, please let us know in the comments below.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 17, 2018

19380 Views

Beat the Boredom: Travel Nursing Activities and Ideas

Posted on August 17, 2018January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

“What activities did you do on your travel nursing assignment in ___________?”

You are going to have a really hard time answering that if you don’t get out and explore and see what is out there!

Most recruiters will tell you that their travelers are most happy on assignment when they are out and about and enjoying their temporary home and exploring their community, outside of work. Getting our and about is a great way to fend off homesickness, even for the most experienced #GypsyNurse. Even if you do not know what to do, no worries! We have collected some great ideas from fellow travelers, just like you. Even if you do not have hobbies, or you might be kind of shy- there are still ways for you to get out and enjoy your surroundings. The key is to get out and take that first step.

Beat Travel Nurse Boredom

Here is list of a few ideas that were submitted by fellow travelers. There is sure to be something that will appeal to you.

Meetup.com – a website dedicated to helping people in a specific geographic area meet up, get together, and plan outings or get togethers.
Local parks- these are great places to sit, relax, get some fresh air, maybe read a book. Maybe hike the trails and enjoy nature (pick up a book at the library on local birds or wildlife)
Bike rentals- great exercise alone or with a group
Ask the locals- a great conversation opener with coworkers. Ask them what they like to do for fun, and then invite them along!
Geocache- fantastic way to get out and adventure, locating little hidden caches that are placed in specific areas. Geocaching.com has a great explanation, and list of caches by city.
Google the ‘Top 10’ things to do in the area- great way to get local recommendations on restaurants, festivals, historic locations, etc.
A lot of people like antiques, or second hand stores, etc. Spend a day off exploring the shops and you might find something unique to remind you of your assignment to take home.
Chamber of Commerce- this is a great resource for local activities. For Example: strawberry picking, peanut festival (Virginia)

Are you stuck in your comfort zone?
Gypsy Nurse Ambassador, Patricia Carter said, “Some people are simply afraid to get out of their comfort zone. The activities, events & festivals are there, you just have to want to get out & explore. What I do varies with location. I am on the East Coast. I am a Ballroom Dancer, I don’t leave home without my dance shoes ! I ask the Nurses I work with that live in the area…. best recommendation! They can tell you where not to go! There are day City Tours , Hiking , Dance Studios, Restaurants. I find out if there are other Travelers in the hospital & organize a Meet & Greet.”

Check the Network group on Facebook for local Meet & Greets! If you do not see one posted, create one! Baseball games, football games, museum tours, etc. There are so many things to go and see and do! The key is getting out and doing them! Make memories on your assignments. If you like taking pictures then go explore your surroundings, and take your camera with you. You never know what you may find.

Suggestions, Suggestions

TripAdvisor.com has a list of free things to do in just about any area.
Check out the state/city website. Most have a website with a list of local free or “Under $25” activities.
Ask your waitress, or bartender what they recommend. They can be a wealth of information on fun, interesting things to do in the local area, or within a short drive.

Apps, Apps, Apps- one overwhelming response from fellow travelers was see what apps are available for a specific area. They are usually loaded with great ideas on what is going on around you.

As active as our jobs are you would think that we get enough exercise, not necessarily, and the more active you are, the healthier you are. Look up local running or walking clubs. You would be surprised how many people get together and just walk, or even go running together. Check out the local YMCA for Zumba classes, yoga, swimming, or dance classes.

If you are fortunate enough to be in a coastal area, why not try snorkeling, scuba diving, or even surfing. Community centers are a great place to learn arts and crafts, painting, pottery, even take a photography class.

Another great suggestion is check out Groupon or Living Social for local activities that are going on or coming up in the area, or within a short drive. Better yet, get a group of other travelers together and make a day of it.

In the winter months you might be a little more limited, but you can still get out and enjoy yourself. What a perfect time to take a beginner skiing class, or even snowboarding! Check with the locals! They can tell you the best non-touristy things to see and do. Ask around at work- several of the travel nurses on the Network ice skate and the first thing they do is search out the local rink.

Regardless of what you choose to do for fun while you are on assignment, make sure you get out and explore your surroundings. You never know what is out there if you do not get out and go!

Don’t forget to post your adventures on the Travel Nurse Network and submit your photos here

By Focus Staff

August 8, 2018

7555 Views

3 Ways to Save Money on Housing

Posted on August 8, 2018October 16, 2023 by Focus Staff

This is a sponsored post by: Focus Staff

Working as a travel healthcare professional allows you to make plenty of money. Of course, as a wise man once said, “mo’ money, mo’ problems.” If you aren’t careful with your finances, you also run the risk of spending lots of money. Housing is sure to be one of your biggest expenses. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on your housing costs. Interested? Here are three ways to save money on housing as a travel healthcare professional.

The “shared economy” is the newest thing. From Uber to AirBnb, people are offering up their cars/houses and rooms these days. Some websites that facilitate this are (www.roommates.com, www.airbnb.com, www.TravelNursingCentral.com, www.SpareRoom.com, www.vrbo.com, industry and community Facebook groups, and even www.meetup.com for social networking.)

Sometimes getting a hotel/motel for the first week or two and then discussing options with colleagues at your new facility is the best way to find awesome deals and potential roommate situations.

2. Take advantage of sites designed specifically for traveling healthcare providers searching for a place to stay.

Several websites, such as FurnishedFinder.com, put you in direct contact with property owners who are offering affordable housing options for traveling nurses. In addition to getting a great price that includes utilities, you can rest assured that the property is in a safe neighborhood and fully furnished. There are entire homes for rent and single rooms, which may be ideal if you are traveling on your own and don’t plan to have frequent visitors. As a bonus, you’ll save even more money by renting a room. NurseHousing.com is another site worth visiting. If you aren’t sold on renting an entire home or staying with someone else, visit sites geared toward business professionals who often travel for extended periods of time. For example, HotelEngine.com reports they can save you as much as 60% off public hotel rates.

3. Take advantage of loyalty programs and corporate discounts.

Most hotels offer some loyalty program for repeat guests, which is definitely something you’ll want to look into as a travel healthcare professional. The more you stay, the more points you accrue, which can be redeemed for free or discounted vacation nights. Bahamas, Cancun, Paris? Who knows where travel points can take you. In some cases, you may be able to redeem points for gift cards to various restaurants and stores. Although this may not save you money specifically on housing, it will help out other parts of your budget.

A Bonus Tip

There is one other option you may want to consider. If you prefer to take assignments in more rural areas where housing options are limited, you may want to invest in a camper. Campgrounds are usually more accessible. Yes, you’ll have the upfront cost associated with purchasing a camper, as well as the maintenance costs, but you’ll never have to worry about looking for a place to stay. Even better, you won’t have to concern yourself with packing because you’ll already have everything you need. Super bonus tip – you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores in the evening. Who doesn’t like marshmallows and s’mores? Win, win, win.

Finally, don’t forget to find out if the company you work for offers a housing stipend. Even if they don’t, it never hurts to ask. You’re an awesome talent so they might make an exception.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 3, 2018

7101 Views

10 Spots To Get Back To Nature In Oklahoma City

Posted on August 3, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

This is a guest post by Sarah Miller

As a travel nurse, you likely spend most of your day worrying about the well-being of others. Being on the road and on your feet for a majority of the day can certainly take its toll on your own mental and physical well-being. Now, if you’ve already had the opportunity to explore Oklahoma City, you’ll know it is a big friendly city full of garage sale fanatics, outstanding comfort food, and home of the Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball team.

Aside from the hustle and bustle of any city though, are nature’s wonders. When your work environment is exhausting and stressful–take a break from it all by relaxing in one of these stunning natural spots in Oklahoma City.

Myriad Botanical Gardens

These botanical gardens are some of the city’s most beloved public areas, offering over fifteen acres of natural space to unwind. The park is home to a children’s garden, off-leash dog park, and several splash fountains. The gardens also feature dozens of walking and jogging paths and even offer educational programs and workshops to help you fully engage in the diverse ecosystem you are surrounded by. With so much to explore, it’s easy to get lost in this urban oasis.

Martin Park Nature Center

This nature center advertises itself as “more than just a park,” and if you’re looking for a place to unwind, that statement couldn’t be closer to the truth. This serene location offers an interactive learning center and quiet woodland trails spanning over two and a half miles. The park also features a visitor center with live animals and an ADA accessible trail.

Will Rogers Gardens

The Will Rogers Gardens offers several themed walking areas, including the Will Rogers Garden exhibition Center, the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum, and the Charles E. Sparks Color Garden. You’ll unwind by traversing around one of the parks’ many walkways, enjoying rose gardens and beautifully cultivated landscaping features. This city park offers hands-on gardening exhibitions and horticultural classes, allowing you to learn and kick back at the same time.

Earlywine Park

Earlywine Park, encompassing nearly one hundred acres, offers a more active spin on outdoor recreation, offering visitors tennis courts, an aquatic center, and a golf course. Of course, the park is also home to multiple walking and running trails, allowing you to choose between a group or solo relaxation adventure.

Lake Hefner

This reservoir lake is a great place to spend a day, it is a popular spot for sailing and fishing, but is also a great place to take a deep breath. The lake features a lighthouse, and offers scenic trails that are well maintained and provide a spot for deep relaxation.

Crystal Bridge

Crystal Bridge offers an outdoor experience just outside of the ordinary. This cylindrical greenhouse is home to dozens of waterfalls, along with over seven hundred different types of plants. You can traverse this greenhouse on elevated walkways, and we guarantee that just one look at the expansive greenery in this center will make you feel more tranquil almost immediately.

Arcadia Lake

Arcadia Lake is a man-made lake and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and anglers alike. That being said, this spot offers a leisurely retreat for hikers, bikers, and swimmers as well. If you’re looking for an outdoor retreat that will allow you to get up close and personal with some of Oklahoma’s wildlife, this is the place to go.

Mitch Park

Mitch Park is well within the city limits, but you’d hardly know it by the relaxing experience it provides. This 280-acre park features paved trails and other recreational options, like a skate park and playground, so that you can get away from it all without having to travel far.

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Another great spot to observe wildlife, this refuge is a haven for native flora and fauna. It also offers some excellent forest areas for hiking, bird watching, and kayaking, allowing you to enjoy the area’s native environment without having to drive for hours outside of the city.

South Lakes Park

This park spans over 150 acres and offers numerous amenities to the forever stressed population of Oklahoma City. Visitors enjoy soccer fields, walking trails, and fishing ponds, all within the comfort of the Oklahoma City limits.

It can be tough to find time to relax and unwind with your busy schedule. However, by taking a moment to breathe deep in one of these outdoor spots in Oklahoma City, you’ll likely find yourself more energized, invigorated, and ready to return to your important career.

Sarah Miller is a writer, self-claimed nutritionist, and CrossFit junkie. She spends most of her time meal prepping and actively trying to beat personal records in the gym, but always enjoys a meditative walk through a nearby woodland area or near a lake.

By Health Providers Choice

July 19, 2018

29645 Views

Sick Pay Laws For Travel Nurses: When it Affects You

Posted on July 19, 2018April 29, 2024 by Health Providers Choice

This is a sponsored post by Health Providers Choice.

Many people in the United States face a tough choice when they get sick on a workday. For people in hourly positions, this can be especially painful since many hourly positions don’t offer paid sick or emergency leave.

You may have heard the United States is a no-vacation nation, but the lack of paid sick days is a major issue, especially in the health and hospitality industries. As a travel nurse, working while sick can potentially compromise patient health even further. So why do travel nurses feel they must choose between taking care of themselves or their bank accounts? Some paid sick leave laws are changing, positively impacting travel nurses.

Benefits of Paid Sick Leave

Even if they don’t affect travel nurses directly, paid sick days can make a huge difference in a community’s health. According to a 2016 study, areas requiring paid sick leave decreased the general flu rate by 5.5%. Allowing paid sick leave may help reduce turnover — and the associated costs — by workers leaving to seek positions with better benefits or by workers being fired after a serious illness.

Healthcare professionals come in anyway.

Paid and unpaid days aside, a survey found 83% of healthcare workers came to work sick at least once in the past year, even though 95% believed working while sick risked patient health. The main reason? They didn’t want to let their teams down or leave their units understaffed.

While admirable, we need to reassess how we view sick days in health care. Supporting sick leave within your own workplace and in your state can do just that.

The state of sick leave in the United States

Thirteen states and Washington D.C. have enacted laws to require paid sick leave, upon meeting the requirements, applies to travel nurses. These states include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. However, state-specific requirements and employee eligibility vary.

Arizona requires at least one hour of paid sick leave per every 30 hours worked unless you already have at least 40 hours of paid time off.
California, Maryland, and Massachusetts require one hour for every 30 hours worked, but the ability to use accumulated sick days doesn’t start until 90 days after employment.
Connecticut requires one hour for every 40 hours worked for a maximum of 40 paid hours off a year. Employees can use these days after the first 30 days of employment.
New Jersey paid sick leave takes effect on Oct. 29, 2018. Per diem, healthcare employees are exempt from the mandate.
Oregon requires business owners with more than 10 employees to give employees 40 hours of sick leave at the start of each year.
Vermont states that people who are employed for less than 20 weeks are exempt from the paid leave mandate.
Like Connecticut employers, Washington employers must offer one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours of work, but employees can’t use it until after 90 days of employment.

While some states may not have statewide policies, certain cities within those states could have their own sick leave mandates. For a more detailed list, click here.

The advantages:

The disadvantages:

Travel nurses share their personal experiences: Dr. Helen Rook

Sharon Steeves

Laura Byrne

Michelle Roche

Kerr Janer

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We hope you find this travel nurse guide helpful. If there are items that you feel should be addressed here, please let us know in the comments below.

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Travel nurses share their personal experiences:
Dr. Helen Rook