July 8, 2021

5161 Views

How To Leave A Stressful Nursing Shift Behind

Posted on July 8, 2021March 22, 2022 by AMN Healthcare

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Perhaps now more than ever, whether you’re a travel nurse or a perm nurse, you’ve been stressed during and after a nursing shift. Everyone has those days when you can’t seem to stop for a bite to eat or even a bathroom break. Nursing stress is common and can easily lead to nurse burnout, but with these easy stress management tips, you will be feeling recharged in no time.

Tips for leaving a stressful nursing shift behind:

1. Unplug and relax

A quiet routine can quickly soothe your ruffled soul. Follow these tips to help you relax and unplug after a stressful nursing shift:

Pull out those homey touches you’ve brought with you, such as lavender-scented candles, eucalyptus bath salts, and your favorite robe and fuzzy socks.
Take a bubble bath, have a glass of wine, and binge on your favorite TV show.
Reward yourself with a delicious, light meal (chicken soup, salmon, salad, sushi), followed by a piece of dark chocolate as a healthy antioxidant reward.
Wind down with some deep breathing, meditation or yoga stretches, then unplug your electrical devices and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Soothe your aching hands, feet, neck, and back

Instead of popping a pain pill for your aching feet and joints, why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or other treatment?

Professional massages often include aromatherapy, essential oils, a warm massage table, soft lighting, instrumental music, and gentle hands that can relax and restore your well-being. Get discounts and coupons via the local paper, Yelp, Groupon, or colleagues in the know.
Hot tubs, warm baths, or foot soaks with Epsom salts can be just the ticket for many nurses.
Stretching, swimming laps, yoga, and Pilates help, too. Turn to YouTube exercise videos for inspiration or a favorite low-impact exercise DVD.
Other pain relief can come from chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, physical therapy, and TENs stimulation.

3. Spa treatments — just for you, or with friends

Spend a half-day at a local spa for the ultimate stress relief after a stressful nursing shift. Just imagine yourself changing into a comfy robe, sipping cucumber lemon water, nibbling fresh fruit, and being queen or king for the day! Choose from various spa treatments, from mud baths and refreshing wraps to foot reflexology, massage, and revitalizing facials. Some spas offer exercise classes and healthy lunches. Day spas offer a great way to spend time with new friends, including other travel nurses and staff. Check the local hotels and medical spas for the best deals, and prepare to be pampered.

4. Think positive and laugh

Some reports say that kids laugh more than 300 times a day, shouldn’t they? The Mayo Clinic confirms that laughter boosts endorphins and relieves stress, among other physical benefits.

Go ahead and giggle over those funny cat and dog videos that everyone shares or other Animal Planet-type spots.
Browse through the funny greeting cards and read all the snarky Maxine jokes. It’s okay to chortle in the aisles.
When you or someone at work is grumpy, add a quarter to the “happy hour” jar for get-togethers.
Call, Skype, or Facetime your best friend and guffaw about your day, or reminisce about that last trip to Vegas.
Keep a gratitude journal and jot down what made you happy that day.

5. Find a relaxing escape

Travel nursing is essentially a working vacation, which means 1,001 places to discover during your time off. Ziplines, water parks, biking trails, zoofaris, and beaches perfect for strolling can reduce stress and replace nagging worries with memorable new adventures. Check out the local food and music festivals in your assignment city, visit a historical town nearby or take up a sport you always meant to learn. Or stretch your limits and try white water rafting, parasailing or skiing; the adrenaline will make you forget your woes!

When you’re on a nursing assignment, it’s easy to find ways to unwind and reduce your stress between nursing shifts. Don’t let nursing stress overwhelm you! Pamper yourself or explore new horizons. You’re worth it!

As a travel nurse your mental health can take a toll. Long and stressful nursing shifts, stressful patients and families, the list goes on. Click here for more articles on mental health and mental health tips.

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 Grace Hawkins

July 7, 2021

7248 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

6142 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

14308 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

9731 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 SkyBridge Healthcare

June 29, 2021

15271 Views

2021 Summer Sales for Healthcare Professionals

Posted on June 29, 2021November 28, 2023 by SkyBridge Healthcare

This article was provided by SkyBridge Healthcare. For more industry insight, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

June 21^st marked the official start of summer! A time for friends and family to come together and enjoy some time off after a grueling COVID-19-filled winter. This speaks volumes to travel healthcare professionals across the nation who are finally ready for some well-deserved relaxation.

As you start to prepare for travel accommodations like hotels, airfare, and maybe buying a new swimsuit or two, you may start to find your expenses quickly adding up. SkyBridge Healthcare has compiled a list of airlines, hotels, and car rental companies, that are offering awesome deals for travel nurses and other Healthcare Professionals.

Sales, Discounts, and Deals for Healthcare Professionals

Hotel Savings

Choice Hotels – Offering special hotel rates for travel healthcare workers in select cities.

Marriott – Use code “HJH” when booking a Marriott hotel to receive a discount from now until December 2021.

Hyatt – Use code “THANKYOU” now until September to receive discounted rates at all Hyatt Hotels.

Airfare Savings

Although we haven’t listed any specific airlines offering discounts to travel healthcare professionals, we’ve come up with the top websites/apps (For Android or iOS users) to save money on flights.

Skyscanner – Use their website or free app to access the cheapest flights online. Skyscanner aggregates the best flight deals from the internet to provide you with an easy list view to compare prices. Their “Everywhere” feature allows you to view the best deals departing airports nearest you on your selected dates. Talk about convenience! Keep in mind; that you do not purchase tickets directly through Skyscanner. When you’re ready to purchase, you’ll be directed to the airline’s website.

Kiwi – Most search engines try to find you a flight with the same airline but not Kiwi. This unique website (and easy-to-use FREE app) collects the best deals among all airlines. Great for anyone looking to save some money. Their new “Deals” features allow you to see incredibly cheap prices from your preferred airport, depart/arrival dates, and flight type (Direct/Indirect).

Hopper – Hopper (App only) is awesome to utilize if you’re not committed to a particular date range. The calendar view is great to see what days will save you the most money on flights. The cheapest flights will be shown in green, while the most expensive flights will be highlighted in red. You can “watch” flights to be notified of price changes and be informed on whether to wait to book or purchase now.

Car Rental Savings

Below you’ll find a few savings on car rental companies for travel healthcare professionals, but may we offer an alternative? If you’re visiting a city with public transportation, this can be a great way to save money and really experience the city’s culture. You may also want to check out bike rental shops near your vacation destination to save some cash. If you’re choosing the bike option, be sure to check the weather beforehand! The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a massive storm while exploring on wheels.

Hertz – Up to 25% off car rentals for travel nurses and first responders.

Enterprise – Up to 25% off car rentals for travel nurses and first responders.

Budget – Up to 25% off car rentals for travel nurses and first responders.

Saved The Best for Last

Our last word of advice is to plan ahead but stay flexible. Things happen, flights get delayed, excursions don’t turn out the way you plan, and hotel pictures aren’t always what they seem to be. Vacations are a gift that not everyone gets to experience, so make the most out of it and enjoy the unexpected. SkyBridge Healthcare wishes you big savings and big smiles this summer.

We hope you found these discounts and offers for travel nurses and healthcare professionals helpful! If you find any others that we haven’t mentioned, please share them in the comments.

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

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

START HERE

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

By Titan Medical

June 28, 2021

6688 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 The Gypsy Nurse

June 26, 2021

15142 Views

Tips For Reducing Housing Costs on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on June 26, 2021November 10, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Hey Gypsies – we all know that several different factors can make a huge difference in a travel nursing assignment’s success. One of the major ones is how you approach housing and housing options. Travel Nurse Housing Costs can be a major financial factor. Most agencies will provide you with a few housing options, and you will need to figure out what’s best for your and your unique situation. Cost is always a factor in the travel nursing housing equation, so we’ve pulled together these 4 tips for reducing housing costs on your next travel nursing assignment.

Opt for a housing stipend

Unless you’re completely new to travel nursing, you may want to consider taking the housing stipend over agency-provided housing strongly. Agencies may choose pricier accommodations for nurses to uphold a quality reputation. But with the flexibility of a housing stipend, you can choose your price point and pocket the difference. This also allows you to set the duration of your stay. Many agencies will match your move-in and move-out dates to the dates of your assignment. With a stipend, you can move-in early or extend your stay if you want to stay longer.

Beyond savings, picking your own housing lets you select which part of town you want to experience and which housing amenities matter most to your lifestyle. You may be able to lower your travel nurse Housing Costs by cutting out conveniences you don’t care about.

Save yourself from the hassle of coordinating a U-Haul rental and moving your needed belongings to each new city. The average travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks, but it can be as short as 4 or 5 weeks. The easiest solution is to rent furnishings and housewares — or find housing with these included.

The price of renting might initially dissuade you, but the potential long-term savings pay off. This option allows you to avoid the risk of damaging any of your valuable furniture or personal possessions. You won’t have to spend time and effort on renting a van and scheduling movers. You also don’t have to worry about your existing items fitting into every space you rent. Every apartment or house you rent has its own available space and room dimensions. Leave that coordination to the professionals and cut your travel nurse housing costs.

Plan to cook your meals at home.

It seems like a small choice to make, but this can have a huge impact over the course of your assignment. Eating out is both expensive and unhealthy in comparison to preparing your meals at home. When dining out, the average meal costs $12.75 in the U.S. That’s more than $1,000 a month!

Plus, cooking food in your own kitchen can make you feel more at home while you’re living in a new place. When you’re choosing housing for your next assignment, make sure it comes with a full-sized kitchen, or at least a kitchenette, with the necessary kitchenware to be your own chef.

Especially with rapid response and crisis assignments, sometimes you need to find housing fast. But travel nurses always need to be aware of sketchy rental situations as, unfortunately, there are some housing scams out there. Stay diligent in vetting every agreement before you sign a lease.
Some common red flags to watch out for include:

Any price that seems too good to be true.
A property manager who communicates with you only via email.
A landlord who doesn’t ask for any background info.
A landlord or property manager who says they’re in another country and wants money wired to them.

The easiest way to avoid these scams is to rely on a trusted temporary housing provider or your agency to find and secure your housing. Work with housing experts who have access to an inventory of trusted, vetted properties. You won’t have to stress or do any of the work to find quality housing that you can trust.

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.

Tips for leaving a stressful nursing shift behind:

1. Unplug and relax

2. Soothe your aching hands, feet, neck, and back

3. Spa treatments — just for you, or with friends

4. Think positive and laugh

5. Find a relaxing escape

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

Healthy Tips to Support a Travel Nurse Lifestyle!

Surviving Your Nursing Night Shift: Tips and Tricks

What Type of Settings Can you Work in as a Travel Nurse?

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Always make a Plan

Take CBD Supplements

Drink Water

Follow a Routine

Get a Fitness Buddy

Take Time for Yourself

Conclusion

Related Posts

Working the Christmas Holidays: Finding Joy When You’re Far from Home

6 Quick and Easy Exercises To Help You Wake Up

Pro Tips to Boost Your Energy at Work as a Travel Nurse

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

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

Celebrate Daily Wins in Travel Nursing: A Way of Improving Patient Care

Jet-Setting & Staying Well: 9 Meal Planning Tips for Travel Nurses

An Open Perspective Thanks to Travel Nursing

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

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

Top 6 Nursing Jobs That Are Highest Paid

5 Tips For Staying Happy and Healthy as a Travel Nurse

8 Important Tips for Travel Nurses

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

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!)

Related Posts

Ask A Travel Nurse: Working with Multiple Staffing Agencies

Housing Stipend For Travel Nurses

A Day in the Life of a Covid Nurse

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Sales, Discounts, and Deals for Healthcare Professionals

Hotel Savings

Airfare Savings

Car Rental Savings

Saved The Best for Last

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

The Importance of Finding or Being a Nurse Mentor

Freedom on the Road: Travel Nursing from an RV

The Long Distance Relationship Survival Kit For Travel Nurses