May 19, 2021

8031 Views

Finding the Best Travel Nurse Recruiter

Posted on May 19, 2021May 19, 2021 by Host Healthcare

This article was provided by Host Healthcare.

Travel nurse recruiters are the backbone of any staffing agency. As a travel nurse, finding the right travel nurse recruiters can make a world of difference in your career. Rather than dedicating your time to job hunting, you can use your free time to enjoy the location of your current assignment between shifts. Finding a trusted recruiter that will take the initiative in finding the best-fit assignment for you will leave you feeling at ease in focusing on fine-tuning your craft.

Tips for finding great travel nurse recruiters:

Here, we have compiled a list of tips for finding the right travel nurse recruiters for you. Look out for these qualities and ask the right questions. You will be sure to establish a relationship with your recruiter to advance your career as a travel healthcare professional.

Look for These Necessary Qualities in Your Travel Nurse Recruiters

Finding the recruiter that’s right for you takes having a conversation. While some agencies, such as Host Healthcare, pride themselves on matching clients with top-tier recruiters, you still need to be sure that they have the necessary qualities that you find value in this partnership. Some qualities to keep in mind that might be beneficial to you include:

Responsiveness- This is the number one most desired trait in a recruiter. If your recruiter is stretched too thin, they can’t dedicate themselves to finding an assignment perfectly catered to your needs. To test if they have the necessary bandwidth, ask them a question over email, and make sure they respond within 48 hours.
Friendliness- A great travel nurse recruiter is someone with who you feel comfortable, and there is trust between the two of you. Having a friendly recruiter is a great thing to look out for because you will be spending a lot of time with each other.
Experience- If you partner with a staffing agency, this will likely be a given. Agencies such as Host Healthcare have top-tier recruiters in their pipeline vetted and gone through a screening process and training procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential recruiter hard-hitting questions.
Knowledge- You should be able to confide in your recruiters for any advice regarding travel healthcare. They should know everything about the position and the industry to answer your questions.
No-Pressure- The right recruiters will not use pressure tactics to get you to sign or move forward with a contract. Recruiters can have this reputation, so finding a staffing agency like Host Healthcare ensures no-pressure tactics can save you the awkward feeling of being pressured into an unfit assignment.

Ask the Right Questions

Asking all of the right questions will lead you to the perfect match. No question should ever be dismissed, and all questions should be answered confidently if you have the right recruiter on your hands. Although you should feel free to ask any question, here are a few questions you should probably address:

“When are you available?” – Alignment of schedules is obviously critical in a traveler-recruiter relationship. Make sure you can align on specific days and times where you can meet.
“What is your submission to interview ratio?” – A submission to interview ratio refers to the number of assignments a recruiter applies for versus the number of interviews their clients actually book. Look for a recruiter with a high submission to interview ratio.
“What insurance benefits will I get?” – Staying protected in the event of illness or injury need to be at the forefront of your mind when considering a new assignment. Ask your recruiter about the coverage secured for an assignment before agreeing to it.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. If you ever receive push-back or the recruiter is reluctant to answer your questions, it might be time to look for another recruiter.

Establish Trust with Your Recruiter

Trust is probably the most important thing to strive for in this relationship. They should be looking out for you every step of the way. You should be confident that your recruiter is advocating for you in every sense of the matter. Trust looks like this:

Securing Maximum Pay– For every assignment, your recruiter should be working on getting you the best pay grade possible. You should trust that they are working hard to secure you in the best position possible.
Considering Your Wants and Needs– Your recruiter should always be asking you what your wants and needs are. With every assignment, they will take those wants and needs and relay them to the potential employer. Also, if you have particular locations in mind for where you want your next assignment to be, they should advocate for that.
Keeping a Constant Flow of Communication- Communication is at the heart of creating a trusting relationship. Your Recruiters should always be available to chat and address any questions you may have.
No-Pressure- As mentioned above, if a recruiter ever pressures you into signing or moving forward with an assignment, this is a red flag. Trust is built through mutual respect and understanding. Use a staffing agency like Host Healthcare that prides itself on no-pressure tactics.

With these tips to finding the best travel nurse recruiters, you will find a relationship that serves your career and enhances your daily life. Go into your search with these things on your mind, and you’re bound to find trusting, nurturing, and experienced recruiters to stand by your side!

Have you found great travel nurse recruiters during your career? Do you have tips to help other travel nurses find great travel nurse recruiters? Comment them below.

Sources:

Nurse.org. How to Find a Good Travel Nurse Recruiter – 5 Tips to Pick the Best. https://nurse.org/articles/how-to-choose-the-best-travel-nurse-recruiter/
Blue Pipes. What You Should Know About Your Travel Nursing Recruiter’s Job. https://blog.bluepipes.com/what-does-a-travel-nursing-recruiter-do/

By Lirika Hart

May 18, 2021

8014 Views

Being a Nurse in the Times of Corona

Posted on May 18, 2021May 19, 2021 by Lirika Hart

The COVID-19 pandemic has been reigning havoc across the world for about 15 months now. Everyone has been affected in one way or another, but the people who have shouldered the biggest risk of personal safety have been the front-line workers. Nurses, in particular, stay up close with corona patients and help them deal with varied symptoms and complications.

Interacting with these patients is an act of great courage, to say the least. This courage, unfortunately, comes at a great cost because thousands of nurses and other medical professionals around the world have been exposed to and succumbed to the coronavirus. But that unfortunate ordeal hasn’t weakened their resolve to relieve patients of suffering and give them emotional comfort during their last hours of life. They were there to comfort families of COVID-19 patients at a time when everyone else was shut indoors.

Without a doubt, the pandemic brought a whole new level of complexity to the nursing job, but our nurses have to be commended for taking everything in their stride and literally putting their lives on the line to save humanity.

The hardest part of being a nurse in the times of the corona pandemic has to be keeping physical distance and still managing to care for patients sufficiently. They cannot chit-chat with patients or visit the patients’ rooms as often as they’d normally do. They can’t be on patients’ bedsides as often as they’d like, they cannot hold hands for that extra emotional connection, and human interactions have greatly reduced. Virtual calls have helped bridge this emotional gap, but they are not effective enough to replace real human interactions.

In 3^rd world countries where personal protective equipment (PPEs) are both insufficient and substandard, nurses are worried about catching the coronavirus from their patients or colleagues. Hospitals in 1^st world countries have all the protective gear they need, hygiene protocols are top-notch, and everyone is well trained to stay cautious, but the huge numbers of in-patients make it hard to practice social distancing. These are challenges that nurses will have to contend with even for months to come.

Mental Health Concerns

The fear of taking the virus home to their families has put nurses under more than normal pressure, stress, and anxiety in the last 15 months. Of course, that had to be expected, bearing in mind that health workers are walking right through the high risk that everyone else is being advised to run away from. On top of that, with the rising corona-related deaths on the daily, these nurses are losing more patients than at any other time in their careers. The tougher the shifts they endure, the more traumatized they get. And as if that is not enough, hospital workers have been forced to self-isolate from their family members, from the support system that helps them switch from work to home mode.

The Role of Student Nurses in the Pandemic

Student nurses in many countries were deployed as extra sets of hands to help ease the Coronavirus burden in hospitals. However, the unfortunate thing is that because they aren’t permanent employees in these hospitals, the death-in-service insurance scheme does not cover them. That is to say, when a student dies in the line of duty, they are not to expect any form of reimbursement. This kind of under-appreciation that governments, especially in the UK, US, and other first world countries, need to address going forward.

Students also need to be commended for helping out their nursing colleagues and medics even with the gross under-appreciation. What is even more heart-warming is that more and more nursing students have drawn inspiration from the brevity of their practicing colleagues to finish their degrees, sit their NCLEX RN exam, and get registered into the profession. Perhaps this is the greatest silver lining of this deadly pandemic.

What Support Do Nurses Need?

Peer, organizational, and professional support will go a long way in providing nurses with the psychosocial support they need to keep going. Greater collaboration will be needed between domestic nursing unions, the WHO, and governments worldwide when forging a way forward in regards to the appreciation and compensation of all frontline health workers during the pandemic. The same goes for all nurses’ safety and well-being, even as they care for other people’s health and safety. The children of healthcare workers, on the other hand, will need additional wrap-around care as compensation for the time they are not spending with their parents.

Final word

Within the chaos and corona darkness, it should not be lost to anyone the role the general public has played in supporting health care workers. This collaboration is phenomenal and should be encouraged even after the pandemic. That would mean a lot to our nurses and doctors.

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 Karl Murphy

May 17, 2021

12647 Views

Top 5 of the Most In-Demand Travel Nurse Specialties

Posted on May 17, 2021January 16, 2023 by Karl Murphy

When it comes to the topmost in-demand travel nurse specialties, there are two things to look out for. One is the demand for nurses’ services in that field, and the second is how much they get paid. It follows the economic rule of “The higher the demand, the more the price.” This article brings you the top in-demand travel nurse specialties and what makes them so special.

5 Most Sought-After Travel Nurse Specialities

Travel nurses are registered nurses who work in short-term roles at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities globally. They help fill gaps in areas where there are nursing shortages. An independent nursing staffing agency employs them instead of a single hospital.

According to Trusted Nurse Staffing, knowing the nursing specialty in demand would help you choose the direction to take your nursing career. This is why we put together the best five options to help you decide.

1. Intensive Care Nurses

Intensive care (ICU) nurses are the most sought-after in nursing specialties. The need for ICU nurses increased due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Generally, the high demand for nurse practitioners in this specialty is because they have experience with:

Severe accident cases
Significant and delicate surgeries
Trauma and other life-threatening situations

To become an ICU nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and get licensed in the state where you practice. You must have at least one year of clinical experience and have BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications. Meeting these requirements qualifies you as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, and you can work in:

Pediatric ICU
Cardiac care unit
Telemetry units
Neonatal ICU
Progressive care units

2. Telemetry Nursing

Due to the shortage of ICU beds, and the increased need for progressive care, there’s high demand for telemetry nurses. Nurses working in this specialty constantly monitor patients experiencing cardiac, respiratory, or renal issues. They are quick to act and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

If you can accurately assess a situation and act accordingly, then consider telemetry nursing. To become one, you must possess:

RN license
ADN or BSN degree
ACLS, BLS, and PCCN certifications

3. Emergency Room Nursing

This specialty is in demand because emergency room nurses are among the first to attend to trauma patients when they arrive at the hospital. Hospital ERs are always filled with diverse types of ailments and need proactive nurses. If you are not afraid of past-packed action and split-second decisions, consider this specialty.

To become an emergency room nurse, you must have the following qualifications:

A year of experience in an acute care facility
ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications
NIH Stroke certification

If you desire to distinguish yourself during the application process, it will help to have or take part in the following:

Emergency Nursing in Pediatrics Course
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
Trauma Nurse Core Course
Crisis Prevention Training

4. Labor and Delivery Nurses

There is an increased need for labor and delivery nurses. While many see it as a satisfying and fulfilling career choice, not everyone has what it takes to be one.

The required qualifications to become a labor and delivery nurse include:

Possessing an ADN and BSN
Passing the NCLEX
Having BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications
Being experienced in electronic fetal heart monitoring
Having a one-year experience in an acute care facility

5. Operating Room Nursing

Operating room nursing is both high in demand and offers a good salary. This is because they are needed in hospitals and surgical centers, day-surgery centers, and clinics. To be an OR nurse, you need to be highly skilled and keep operating rooms clean and sterile always.

Also, nurses working in this specialty are patient advocates and pay key attention to their safety. To qualify for this position, you must:

Earn an ADN or BSN
Obtain an RN license in the state you work
Have clinical or OR experience
Have BLS and ACLS certifications

Conclusion

The opportunities available to travel nurses are vast. Whether you are a specialty nurse looking to diversify or increase your pay, there’s something for you. All you need to do is find your perfect fit, such as with online dating. So, feel free to begin today.

By HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

May 14, 2021

6576 Views

A Thankful Nurse

Posted on May 14, 2021May 19, 2021 by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

This article was provided by Healthtrust Workforce Solutions.

“Melissa L., ICU R.N., is thankful for the support of HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and HCA Healthcare throughout COVID-19. Although Melissa was afraid at the start of the pandemic, Melissa was comforted as HealthTrust and HCA Healthcare provided exceptional resources and proper PPE. Melissa’s compassion for her patients grew throughout her time treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. She truly learned the importance of spending quality time with her patients and making every encounter meaningful, which led to a deeper appreciation for her role as a nurse.

Aside from the positive support from HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and HCA Healthcare, Melissa is thankful for how every nurse leaned on one another and provided support to each other during COVID-19. Melissa’s advice to new nurses is to put all of their fears aside and to know that they are going to make a difference in the lives of many patients, who will ultimately make a difference in their life as well.”

We hope you found Melissa’s story encouraging and helpful. Are you a travel nurse who would like to share their story, tips, or advice for other travel nurses? Comment below, submit an article via our user blog here or send an email to content@thegypsynurse.com.

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 CareerStaff Unlimited

May 13, 2021

6966 Views

Top 5 Destinations for Travel Nurses this Summer

Posted on May 13, 2021May 19, 2021 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.

Summer is upon us again! And even though we’re not quite back to normal given the health risks still posed by COVID-19, widespread vaccinations are helping to open up travel across the United States.

Of course, for many nurses, traveling never really stopped, with travel nursing demands and compensation reaching new highs as a result of the pandemic. This summer, more nurses will be able to safely travel again, not just because they’re urgently needed to deliver care, but for the personal fulfillment and professional development that travel nursing offers.

There is a large variety of travel nursing jobs available to meet pretty much any type of interest. Love hiking and the outdoors? Choose an assignment on the West Coast and get access to its amazing forests and national parks. If you prefer a city break, you may want to take an assignment in an urban area like Dallas, Boston, Chicago, or Orlando — they’re always in need of qualified nurses!

As one of the nation’s leading travel nurse recruitment companies, the team at CareerStaff understands better than most, where nurses are needed more than ever. With that in mind, let’s take a peek at the hottest travel destinations for nurses for summer 2021 — and some lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer.

Destination #1: Maine.

Maine’s appeal to summer travelers is no secret! The coast and historic towns are often overrun with vacationers from Boston and New York during July and August. Yet, for those willing to go off the beaten path, the Pine Tree State offers a huge amount of wilderness to explore. There’s also some amazing seafood to be found, and the coast is chock full of historic lighthouses that look great on Instagram!

> Underrated Summer Spot: Westbrook, Maine.

As with most states, the bigger cities in Maine have many opportunities in hospitals and medical centers. But for nurses looking to build career experience at skilled nursing facilities, smaller cities like Westbrook offer another enticing option. Close enough to Portland and the coast to offer easy access to shopping and nature, communities like Westbrook offer a great way to enjoy the Pine Tree State away from the summer crowds of tourists.

Destination #2: Florida.

If you’re dreaming of spending the summer at the beach, it’s hard to go wrong in the Sunshine State. From almost anywhere in the state, you’ll be within a short drive to the coast. You’ll also have easy access to world-famous attractions like the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, and the recently re-opened Disney World. And as one of the most populous states, there is no shortage of available travel nursing jobs in Florida!

> Underrated Summer Spot: Hialeah.

You don’t have to live in Tampa or Miami to have easy access to the beach from pretty much anywhere. But if you still want to be close to the city, consider choosing a suburb like Hialeah. You’ll enjoy a wider variety of job opportunities, as well as easy access to the rich variety of dining, shopping, and picture-perfect beaches in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Destination #3: California.

Like Florida, California is already a popular summer destination, luring travelers to its famous beaches, resorts, theme parks, golf courses, islands, forests, and parks. There’s also exceptional dining for those who choose to live near an urban area and lots of family-friendly activities for those traveling with (or to be close to) loved ones.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Lancaster.

Located about an hour north of Los Angeles, Lancaster is big enough to offer all the amenities of urban living while also offering easy access to the beaches of Southern California. It’s also a relatively short drive to all the state’s major national parks (like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sierra, and Death Valley) and even Las Vegas.

Destination #4: Kentucky.

With lots of green spaces, historic architecture, and a home-grown arts scene in many communities, Kentucky is an underrated gem with much to offer summer travelers. You can spend your free time exploring the state’s wineries, camping at Lake Cumberland, or visiting Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and its amazing white-sand lakeshore, which wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Louisville.

There’s almost always a lineup of great travel nursing opportunities in Kentucky’s largest city. Louisville is home to a number of major health employers and hospital systems. Skilled nursing and long-term care facility assignments are usually available, and the affordable cost of living means you’ll have some lucrative options for spending your housing stipend.

Destination #5: New Mexico.

If you love hiking or camping, it’s hard to beat the Land of Enchantment, where picture-perfect vistas can be found all around. It’s also great for those who prefer their summers to be a little less scorching; the elevation in the high desert means many campsites are subject to cool breezes and brisk showers, even in the heart of summer.

> Underrated Summer Spot: Albuquerque.

New Mexico’s biggest city has the most to offer in terms of urban amenities. It’s also a short drive to the iconic scenery of Taos and the historic charm of Santa Fe — two great road trip ideas for adventurous travel nurses. If you’re seeking new travel nursing opportunities, CareerStaff Unlimited has jobs across the United States! Visit CareerStaff.com to learn more or see what assignments we’re offering right now.

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

May 11, 2021

7055 Views

An Interview with Angie Nasr, Medely Co-Founder, and CNO

Posted on May 11, 2021April 14, 2021 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

Her journey to better healthcare staffing

Currently, Medely is honoring Inspirational Women. And, what better way to celebrate than with a woman and mother who made the transition from full-time DON positions at multiple facilities to co-founding a new company.

I enjoyed sitting down with Angie Nasr, former DON and current CNO of the Medely healthcare staffing technology platform and marketplace. She and her team work to build a better way to connect per diem and assignment professionals with ASCs, hospitals, clinics, and facilities in need.

An Interview with Angie Nasr, Medely Co-Founder, and CNO — Angie Nasr, CNO and Medely Co-Founder

Mary Rose Avila: Thank you for meeting with me today, Angie. I appreciate you taking your time to fill us in a little bit on your journey to where you are today and your plans moving forward.

Angie Nasr: Thanks, glad to be here.

MRA: To start, can you tell us a bit about your background and history?

AN: Sure. I am a registered nurse, and I graduated from Loyola University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I took my first job at UC Irvine, actually in the NICU. After transferring to UCLA, I was soon worn out from working nights, weekends, and holidays and looked for a job that better fit my preferred schedule. I signed with an agency to pick up shifts until I figured out my next move.

I ended up taking a job in an outpatient surgery center, my first time working with adults. I was thrown in the fire, which is a great learning experience, and was soon made the Director of Nursing. The Doctors and facility leaders expressed great confidence in me and my abilities, although I felt somewhat unsure I was prepared to take on this elevated role.

But, it made me learn really fast, and I am a very resourceful person by nature. I knew how to leverage our resources, often using Google. Additionally, I reached out to DONs and other healthcare leaders in my network to draw on their expertise and insights. Over several years, I moved onto larger facilities and really learned the ropes at multiple Outpatient Surgery Centers. But, I always had an issue with adequate staffing for our cases. I continually had to call other nurses that I knew of to work shifts and cases we couldn’t cover for staffing.

Making the Transition

MRA: I can probably imagine that one of the most significant issues with finding staff was your time. Because, as I imagine, every second you’re on the phone or trying to connect is the time taken away from your cases and your patients. As you discovered the need for better methods using technology, how did you help Medely launch? What was it like in the beginning?

NS: It was a transition and labor of love, for sure. My co-founders and I worked for a year to launch Medley. I still had my full-time job and would work nights and weekends setting up the clinical operations infrastructure. I was screening and onboarding Nurses to the tech platform and marketplace during my lunch hour. The work was hard, but it was so rewarding to see the vision become a reality.

I would perform all the in-person interviews [for the healthcare pros] after work to ensure they were competent, experienced nurses. We started with positions in surgical services, primarily Circulating, PACU, and Pre-op RNs, as those were the most in-demand. Soon we expanded to Surgical Techs and several other positions in the ASC setting.

Finding Inspiration

MRA: As you know, Medely is celebrating Inspiring Women. In asking many Medely staff who their personal Inspirational Woman is, several said you inspire them! How do you feel about that?

NS: Well, I’m shocked and honored! I would have thought of a celebrity or someone who won the Nobel Peace Prize or even a more famous person. I feel sort of floored that they would name me!

MRA: Who would you say inspires you?

AN: My personal Inspiring Woman, and I know it sounds cliche’, but I would say, my Mom. She came here from a foreign country and worked my entire childhood. I remember Mom always being such a hard worker, even to this day. No job was too big or too small for her, and she taught me the value of being an independent woman.

Moving to the future

MRA: What’s your favorite thing about Medely? And, finally, where do you see Medely heading into the future?

AN: For me, my favorite thing is just seeing this dream come to fruition and that facilities now have a way to book someone easily. It’s something we never had at our fingertips. Before, I would have loved to sign up for this tech app and dive right in. That’s a huge opportunity to have that on-demand workforce. Of course, I love how to customize it, build a favorites list, and book short or longer-term jobs. It really allows healthcare professionals to come into a facility and bring new ideas, culture, and practices with them.

Our vision for Medely will continue to evolve as a technologically advanced workforce management platform. We will continue to focus on the customer experience and provide a simple way for facilities to book pros. Likewise, pros get to earn more while experiencing the freedom and flexibility they deserve.

MAR: I think that makes a lot of sense. I certainly appreciate your time and have learned a lot myself.

AN: Thanks for the opportunity to share my story!

Angie Nasr had a long journey from an RN looking for a flexible work-life balance to a new DON, quickly learning the ropes to the CNO of one of the largest on-demand healthcare platforms available. Other women can learn from her experience by working on their terms or taking the dive as a leader in a growing company, despite all their other obligations.

We hope you enjoyed reading this interview with Angie about her transition from nurse to CNO. Do you have any questions about the transition that wasn’t answered here? Comment them below.

By Gifted Healthcare

May 6, 2021

6955 Views

Happy Nurses Week: Travel Nurses on What Makes a Great Nurse

Posted on May 6, 2021January 16, 2023 by Gifted Healthcare

This article was provided by Gifted Healthcare.

In 1910, the American Journal of Nursing published an article titled, The Ideal Nurse. It was written by a registered nurse named Rebecca H. McNeill.

In The Ideal Nurse, McNeill outlined the qualities of her ideal caretaker. The nurse she describes is compassionate, kind, dedicated, loyal, and motivated by a higher calling:

“No true nurse ever loses her sympathy…she has the deep sympathy which causes her not only to feel for her patient’s woes but prompts her best efforts to alleviate them. The true nurse is devoted to her work, faithful in all that she does, neither shrinking nor shirking any responsibility that may present itself. The ideal nurse should be able to understand the whys and wherefores of her physician’s orders and be able to execute them with judgment.”

This vision of the ideal nurse, written over one century ago, is strikingly similar to the vision we uphold today. This is a testament to the heroic work of the nurse, a role that has remained essential and unwavering in the face of profound cultural and technological change.

McNeill also beautifully portrays the life of a nurse; its sacrifices and hardships as well as its transcendent rewards:

“Unless a nurse is prepared for a life of untiring effort and disappointments, discomforts or deprivations, countless sacrifices of time, talent, and inclination, unless, indeed, able to suppress her own heartaches and to give herself bravely and brightly to all the work with patience, enduring all things…She must have singleness or purpose, directing all her energies toward the faithful accomplishment of her life’s work; be loyal to her doctor, her patient, and herself….”

Nurses are the backbone of the American healthcare system. Even more, they can be seen as the protectors of the American spirit. When searching for compassion, generosity, loyalty, and duty to one’s fellow man or woman, look to a nurse.

Travel Nurses on What Makes a Great Nurse

In honor of nurses week, we’ve asked a group of exceptional travel nurses to describe what makes a great nurse. Each of them drew from an intensely personal and unique set of experiences to create their own philosophy of care.

Read on for their inspiring, heartwarming answers.

Charlotte Swopes, RN

“First and foremost, you have to care about people. You’ve got to have integrity; people aren’t going to be watching you, so you’ll be expected to be diligent.

You have to have a sense of ethics. You have to see all your patients as one: you can’t look at color, you can’t look at nationality, you can’t look at the economic background. You have to care about your patients regardless of the situation.

You have to have a heart of compassion.”

Megan Selser, RN

“Advocating for your patient is number one, despite any effect it will have on you. Always put patient advocacy in front of everything else.

I love to make my patients laugh. I know what it’s like to feel unhappy — so I try hard to be a light in someone’s day, in some type of way, even if they’re going through something terrible.

I think a great nurse also celebrates wins, even when they’re really small—someone who takes care of the patient and the family. Most of the time, like if a patient is intubated, you become the nurse for their family. Yes, you are there for the patient’s physical needs, but the family is what you’re taking care of. I try to involve the family as much as I can in patient care because it matters.”

Erica Rogers, RN

“My motto is, ‘compassion is the highest level of intellect.’ A brilliant nurse is someone who understands that concept.”

Emmanuel Paron, RN

“As nurses, we are just instruments of the love of God. When you take care of patients, many times they are in their worst moments – you take care of them no matter what.

The core of nursing is caring. When you care for somebody, you do everything you can to take care of them. It can be as simple as holding a patient’s hand.

You educate yourself, study more to become an expert so that when a patient comes into the hospital, you are as prepared as possible to take care of them.

What I believe is that the core of nursing is caring.”

Taylor McCombs, RN

“For me, the ideal nurse is detail-oriented and compassionate. They stick to their own personal morals and values, as well as the principles set by the facility they’re working at. It mostly comes down to the individual – if you hold yourself to high moral standards, it will impact the way that you do your job.”

Chelsea Wynder, RN

“Someone compassionate, who is nurturing, and is the person who will be there when a patient feels they have no one else. That’s what I had when I was sick, and what I needed…and that’s what my mom needed, too.”

Eddie Kaiser, RN

“The standard answer is someone compassionate, who wants good healthcare for their patients, but I like to go deeper. A nurse needs to be somebody who treats their patients as though they are family. However, that patient is also the chairman of the board. For the most part, patients are in control of their care until they can’t be anymore. To me, it’s very important to make sure the patient is shoulder to shoulder with you as a caregiver.

A nurse must be able to think critically through a process of care — for any patient, and you need to ask yourself, ‘What are the family dynamics of this patient? What is their belief system? What are their core values?’ The ideal nurse is well-rounded with all of that, including compassion, patience, caring, attention to detail. And finally, you have to know what you’re doing: you have to be skilled, have to be confident, and have to be able to go into new situations and mesh into the nursing staff. An ideal travel nurse not only has to display these qualities with patients, but they also have to display these qualities with the staff around them.”

Jill Maxwell, RN

“I’ve worked all over, and I’ve worked with a lot of nurses. And there are a few qualities you’ll find in the best ones. You have to be compassionate, and you have to be approachable.

When people are sick, they want a smiling face.”

James Dorsett, RN

“Someone who’s a straight shooter. Someone who can be honest and not sugarcoat things. Someone empathetic, not sympathetic. And for me, everything is about trust. If you lose the trust of your patient, you lose everything. I am a nurse because I like making an impact in people’s lives. If you do the best you can 100 percent of the time, people remember that.”

Transia Brown, LPN

“I never met my grandparents. I adopted a lot of my friends’ grandparents. When I go into work, I think of my patients like my grandmother or grandfather that I never met.

A lot of people have pride. A lot of my patients are scared to tell me that they’re in pain, or that they need help because they’re not used to being in that situation. But if you make them feel they can trust you and that you’re concerned about them, they’re more open to you.”

I let them know: I’m here for you. Don’t feel like you can’t call me. Whatever you need, call me, and I’m there.

If you can’t go into a facility, or someone’s home, and take care of someone like they are your mom, or your dad, or your brother, or your sister, and treat them the way that you would want to be treated – then you don’t need to be a nurse.

I look at every patient as though they are part of my family because I leave my own family to go out every day and do my job. And when I get older, I would want someone to take care of me as though I am a part of their family. That’s the ideal nurse to me.”

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 ONESTAFF MEDICAL

May 5, 2021

6488 Views

4 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special as a Travel Nurse…and Then Some

Posted on May 5, 2021May 19, 2021 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

This article was provided by OneStaff Medical.

Being a traveling healthcare worker definitely has its challenges. One of them is feeling homesick and being away from family and friends. It is especially difficult when holidays come around. If you are a traveling healthcare worker, you are used to being away on these special occasions, but it is just as important to celebrate from another state, across the country, or even if you are on assignment with your kiddos. Here are some fun ways to celebrate your mother or be celebrated on Mother’s Day.

Communicate

In today’s day and age, there are countless ways to stay in touch with your loved ones; social media, cell phones, video chat, special apps, and more, in addition to the old school methods of sending emails or even SNAIL MAIL! Making an extra effort to reach out this Mother’s Day will put a smile on her face even if you are scheduled to work.

Before Sunday, schedule a time that you and your mother or your kids are available to have a nice, unrushed talk on the phone to hear their voice/see their face.
Purchase a shared journal that you and your mother can pass back and forth and learn more about one another.
Write some “open this when” letters and tell mom how much you love and appreciate her.

Spend Time at home together

There is no better gift to give or receive than spending quality time with a loved one. You don’t need to spend lots of money to make someone feel loved. You can find many fun things to do under your own roof!

Schedule a weekend to make a trip home
Spend a day how mom wants to spend the day (looking at you, kiddos)
(Another one for the kids) Let mama sleep in!
Lounge on the couch together and travel the world at the same time via Amazon Explore
Have a make-your-own pizza party
Work on a puzzle together

Send a thoughtful gift

If your love language to give is gift-giving, there are endless options of great gifts to bestow upon your mother, here are just a few options!

Send some Flowers
Order her a nice meal to be delivered
Schedule her a spa day or a massage
Purchase something off her Amazon Wishlist
Create a custom album, mug, or blanket on websites like Shutterfly

Schedule a fun activity

Do something out of the ordinary. Treat Yo’self by having something fun and different planned for Mother’s Day.

Take a hike as a family or visit your local lake and pond for some quality time outdoors
Go to a movie
Go to a museum with your kids
Have a beach day!

As we aren’t still 100% back to normal after the crazy year, we’ve all had, and it’s a good idea to plan a simple day close to home or spend it outside and enjoy the time you have with each other. Take a few minutes out of your day to tell your mom how much you love and appreciate her or spend a little extra time snuggling your children. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to sprinkle the day with a little extra love.

By Gayatri Regester

May 3, 2021

5833 Views

Wellness for Warriors in Healthcare

Posted on May 3, 2021May 19, 2021 by Gayatri Regester

Wellness Warriors

As healthcare professionals, we give so much to others. For the longevity of our service to others, we must begin to give care also to ourselves.

From a place of contentment, happiness, even-mindedness, and inspiration, we are more equipped to handle stressful situations without burnout. And when we have faith in something bigger than ourselves, we carry hope even in the most difficult circumstances.

So how do we feel contentment? Even-mindedness? Happiness?

For me, it was the spiritual teaching taught by Swami Kriyananda*, “we cannot change our circumstances, but we can change how we respond to them.” The realization that I consciously have the choice to respond positively or negatively to people and circumstances. Whenever I choose to react negatively- say to get upset, hold a grudge, or some other contractive reaction, I do not feel good. On the flip side, when I choose to see compassion in others, not to let a situation rattle my inner peace, or to remain joyful even in difficult circumstances, I have a feeling of lightness.

The freedom comes from realizing that nothing and no one can affect your inner self-, the Self that is always joyful, always in a state of peace and calmness, always heart opened and filled with love. To live beyond the present moment and into the eternal now.

Swami Kriyananda explains superconscious living as “to trust one’s life to the flow of a higher wisdom.” I invite each of you to take a vow of superconscious living inwardly. Take action and see how your life is transformed!

Vow of Superconscious Living

To be true to your higher, Superconscious Self.
To be a channel of light, of blessing and love to all
To live in joy, not sorrow;
In truth, not error;
In victory, not failure
To blame no one in adversity but yourself,
And then, instead of blame, To accept responsibility,
With God’s help,
To change yourself.

*Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968.

Thank you Wellness Warriors for all you do and are doing. We hope you found this article informational. Stay tuned for more articles from Gayatri.

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