February 22, 2021

6658 Views

Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Posted on February 22, 2021October 28, 2022 by Lauren Festa

Travel nursing is an occupation that is applauded worldwide, especially during such difficult times for healthcare workers. In light of COVID-19, healthcare professionals have been working tirelessly to provide for impacted countries around the globe in hopes of bringing health and wellness to those in need. During these times, a necessary occupation would most definitely be travel nurse, but this job allows you to be a hero and brings quite a few benefits.

The obvious…TRAVEL

An enormous benefit of travel nursing is in the title of the occupation: travel! The luxury of traveling to just about wherever you please to help save lives is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone could imagine. Travel nurses are sent on assignments nationwide for about eight to thirteen weeks. These assignments allow nurses to be placed in states ranging from warm and oceanic Hawaii all the way to snowy and ski-filled Colorado. The choice is theirs. Travel nurses have the ability to indulge in their inner free spirit and enjoy working in different locations while being an enormous contribution to healthcare.

Flexible schedule

Not only do travel nurses get to travel to their desired location to be employed, but this also comes with schedule flexibility. There will always be somewhere in which a particular hospital’s hours will match those of the nurse. A flexible schedule is a massive issue with many employers, although, with this specific occupation, that issue is usually cleared. Travel nursing allows nurses to work during the hours they wish to and in the location, they care for.

Great Pay

Travel nurses already have their desired location and hours, but they all benefit from their salary! Some may argue that the ability to travel around the country is worth the money within itself, but according to Nurse.org, travel nurses’ wages are over a hundred thousand dollars. Travel nurses are also making a total of more money in comparison to registered nurses (RN). According to Nightingale.edu, the average salary of a registered nurse is around seventy-one thousand dollars. Each state is continually changing its salary for travel nurses, allowing nurses to change locations once their assignment is up to a potentially higher-paying state. These salaries are additional to the priceless adventure that traveling within itself brings.

Making new friends

Out of the many benefits that becoming a travel nurse brings, one of the most priceless ones that this job gives is the number of people the nurses meet. Traveling around the country, visiting and working in different states around the nation, travel nurses meet endless people. The benefit of traveling and meeting many people allows for connections, relationships, and friendships brought to these nurses with people from around the country. There are only so many jobs that pay you to be a hero around the nation and provide the opportunity to meet new people every single day.

Nurses are more needed than ever

With COVID-19 still being very present in today’s climate, many have lost jobs and money due to such a draining virus that has impacted everyone worldwide. Although, for travel nurses, job loss is out of the question. Nurses are needed now more than ever around the country to help those in need within the healthcare workforce. There are nurse shortages in hospitals countrywide. As a result, these professionals are needed everywhere. Being a travel nurse does not limit them to help in one area, but the ability to see the nation and work towards lowering the rate of COVID-19 cases in each state.

Adventurous lifestyle

Travel nursing is quite an on-the-go job in which it may be challenging to keep up with such an adventurous lifestyle. Some may be hesitant to have such a venturesome occupation and life and might want to take a pet on the way with them. Travel nurses are more than capable of taking a pet on their road to success. Being a travel nurse means continually being on the move and venturing out. You might as well bring a furry companion for good company!

Always learning

In general, nursing requires a ton of skill and education that all nurses are equipped with. The benefit of being a travel nurse is that nurses are learning new things every day from each different place while changing hospitals continuously. While registered nurses usually stay in one hospital throughout their career, there is only so much to learn in one area. They are changing locations all the time, learning from the different people they come across in other areas and cities.

The list of benefits for travel nurses is endless. This career may not be made for everyone, but traveling while saving lives is an adventure waiting for anyone who is up for it. They are needed everywhere and appreciated nationwide.

We hope you found these benefits helpful. Are there any that we missed? 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 Jackson Nurse Professionals

February 19, 2021

7437 Views

High-Energy Meals to Help you Power Through Your Shift (& COVID-19)

Posted on February 19, 2021November 10, 2023 by Jackson Nurse Professionals

This article was provided by Jackson Nurse Professionals.

42% of nurses are skipping their lunch and dinner breaks during the pandemic, putting their health at risk for the care of their patients. Pandemic or not, the job of a nurse is both physically and mentally draining, so it’s critically important to keep your body and mind running at peak efficiency throughout your shift.

While it may be hard to find the motivation to pack a meal in your backpack each day, we’ve got a quick and simple solution that can help you save money and stay energized: meal prepping. It takes just one hour on your day off to cook and package powerhouse meals that can last your entire workweek.

What makes a high-energy meal?

Your mid-shift meal is a particularly difficult meal to get right. Too much food – particularly starchy and rich meals – can leave you feeling sluggish and ready for a nap. An underwhelming portion can have the same effect or leave you in a constant state of being “hangry.”

Ultimately, the perfect power-packed meal is all about balance. According to Mom’s Kitchen Handbook, you want a combination of high-quality carbohydrates, good fats, and protein. Carbs are the body’s go-to energy source, providing the vitamins and minerals needed to stay on your feet. Good fats, like nuts and avocados, and proteins, such as chicken or fish, are digested slowly and help keep you satisfied longer.

Creating a meal with this trifecta in mind makes for an energizing, nutrient-rich meal that’s ideal for a mid-shift pick-me-up.

Customized power bowls

You’ll never get tired of these power bowls from Oh She Glos because you can customize them each week. These healthy lunches are created by roasting two huge sheets of veggies, a grain, and fresh vegetables, then adds beans, nuts, or avocados, depending on the flavor profile. This is one of many great meals for travel nurses.

Chicken with cauliflower rice

If you want a low-carb recipe, prep this lunch from prevention replaces a traditional grain with cauliflower rice. While they recommended it be served with grilled or baked chicken, this would also go well with fish as the main protein.

Hearty vegetarian chili with butternut squash

This recipe from Food Network is sure to warm you up. Beans and corn are a hearty substitute for meat, but feel free to add chicken in for some additional protein. Cook up a pot and keep it in the fridge or freeze it for an entire week’s worth of meals.

Chicken shawarma bowl

Cooking Light boasts that this flavor-packed recipe can be created in only 15 minutes. Chicken cooked in a garlicky, tahini-spiked yogurt and served over your grain of choice is a warm spicy meal your taste buds will be grateful for.

Now that your meal plans are in place, we recommend sitting down with one of these great books on travel nursing, recommended by Katherine Rundell.

By Kevin Devoto

February 17, 2021

5889 Views

7 Places You Deserve To Travel to After Working Hard

Posted on February 17, 2021May 19, 2021 by Kevin Devoto

As a travel nurse, you work hard, so you deserve to play even harder. Traveling may be part of how you earn a living. Visiting new places when your only priority is fun is a very different experience. Although travel maybe a little more difficult these days, here are seven new places you deserve to travel to (when the world opens back up) as a reward for your hard work.

1. Western Europe

France sits at the top of the list as it claims the title of the world’s most visited country. Your options for traveling through France are almost endless as each region has different food, wine, culture, and climate to offer. Explore Paris’s museums and bistros, and then head wherever whimsy takes you.

The Loire Valley is perfect for discovering exquisite wines and chateaux. Another good choice is the sunny and glamorous Riviera.

2. The Pacific

Hawaii is an island paradise waiting for you in the Pacific Ocean. Because it’s the 50^th state, you don’t even need your passport if you’re coming from the US mainland! Divide your time between laying on the beach and trekking through rainforests and up volcanos. Hawaii is also a culinary mecca for fresh seafood, so be sure to indulge at least once.

3. North America

Alaska, the other non-contiguous US state, is known for national parks, glaciers, and the northern lights. Whether you fly into Anchorage or drive up through Canada’s Yukon Territory, be sure to dress for the season and your planned activities.

Animal lovers will also be amazed when they spot roaming brown bears or notice wolves running alongside their vehicle on the Denali Park Road. Cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage for an unforgettable voyage on the water. All-inclusive cruises are easy to find.

4. South America

Brazil beckons with its samba, Carnival, and caipirinhas. If you’re looking for a party, Brazil does it better than anywhere else. Brazil is also a nation of contrasts. There is a great disparity between the rich and poor, the bustling cities and the remote rainforest.

Traveling in Brazil is perfectly safe. You need to be aware of your surroundings and use good judgment. To get a full picture of this complex nation, have a blast in Rio, but go inland to see the primeval Amazon River.

5. Africa

Tanzania is the gem of East Africa. It is located just south of the equator and is home to one of the cradles of humanity, the Olduvai Gorge in the Rift Valley. Lake Victoria forms part of the nation’s northern border, and the Indian Ocean lies off the east coast. Tanzania also boasts the Serengeti Plain and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.

For the outdoors lover, Tanzania can’t be beaten. Contact one of the many local travel outfitters to organize the adventure of a lifetime.

6. Asia

China is a blend of massive modern cities and ancient culture. In Beijing, satisfy your craving for history at the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world. Next, visit Tiananmen Square to see Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the site of the deadly student-led protests of 1989.

Fortunately for travelers, most of eastern and central China are linked by high-speed rail, making exploring the country easy and efficient. Two must-see attractions on the train routes are the Terracotta Army in Xi’an and the giant pandas in Chengdu. Finally, finish your tour of China in Hong Kong with a delicious dim sum.

7. Central Europe

The Czech Republic is popular among ex-pat English teachers for good reason. The central European country has a rich culture while remaining budget-friendly. In Prague, wander around the Old Town Square and visit Prague Castle, part of which dates from the 9^th century!

The Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other nation on the planet. Most of that beer is made locally, which should give you a clue to the fact that they make great beer. Have a glass or two of pilsner to celebrate your travels.

You gladly give your all when you’re on the job. Take some time off and see the world and new places. You deserve it!

What do you think of our list of new places to travel to? Are there any places you have visited that you feel should make the list? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

February 16, 2021

13722 Views

7 Useful Things Nurses Need to Bring on a Shift

Posted on February 16, 2021April 29, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

As a travel nurse, you’re used to being busy during your shifts. This is why working with an agency that supports you and prioritizes your well-being is important, as it will help you deal with the stress that can create. However, you might also get stressed when you can’t find something when you need it. That’s why it’s a good idea to be as prepared as possible. Keeping these nursing essentials on hand will help you keep going throughout your travel nurse shift, even when things get a little hectic.

Extra Pens/Permanent Markers

Most travel nurses agree that you can never have enough extra pens and permanent markers. These are always important to have but can be easy to misplace or lose in the craziness of a shift. Bringing extras with you will ensure you always have one when you need it. Try to find pens and markers that you can easily attach to things like your badge, scrubs, or clipboards, as this will help you keep track of them. Frixion pens can be good to use since they’re erasable and let you easily color-code your patients.

Bandage Scissors

Keeping bandage scissors on hand is great because of how versatile they are, as they’ll be able to cut through just about anything. Keeping a pair with you will mean that you won’t have to try and find some scissors to use should you need to cut something. Instead, you can take care of the issue and keep things running smoothly.

Extra Scrubs/Clothes

Unfortunately, being a travel nurse can be a bit of a messy job. Since you won’t want to go through your shift with dirty scrubs, having a backup pair in your locker is great, so you can quickly change on the fly. The same goes for bringing a backup pair of socks and shoes- wearing ones that are messy or uncomfortable not only feels bad but can be dangerous as well. If you have longer hair, extra hair ties will also be useful.

Lotion & Chapstick

All the hand washing you do as a nurse will dry your hands out very quickly. With how annoying this can be, having lotion with you will help keep your hands moisturized and healthy. Since hospitals also tend to be rather cold and dry, try to keep some Chapstick with you, too, when your lips get chapped.

Snacks & Water

Keeping your energy levels up is crucial when you’re on the job. However, finding the time to sit down and eat isn’t always easy. Keeping something small to snack on, like a granola bar, is perfect for those times when you need a pick-me-up. Bringing a water bottle with you will also help keep you hydrated, even as you’re moving back and forth across the hospital. You might want to keep some gum in your pockets, too, so you can keep your breath nice and clean.

Phone Chargers

After a long shift, coming back to a dead phone is always a bummer, so bringing a phone charger with you will make sure that won’t happen. Having a charged phone is always useful, especially when you’re in a new area and are still getting the lay of the land.

Spare Toiletries/OTC Medicine

It helps to have a way to freshen up during or after an especially tough shift. That is why travel nurses will bring things like deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush to their shifts. This gives them a chance to feel nice and refreshed and is particularly helpful if you’ve got a long shift. As for dealing with the aches and pains that come with the job, bringing some ibuprofen is a great solution.

When it comes to travel nursing, it’s key to prepare ahead of time. Bringing useful items like these with you will help you power through the day, even when things get hectic. Do you have any useful items you bring to your travel nurse shifts that didn’t make our list? Comment them below.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

February 13, 2021

10167 Views

Top 5 Tips For Dealing With Difficult Patients While Travel Nursing

Posted on February 13, 2021December 20, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Dealing with difficult patients is a skill. Whether you are new to the nursing scene, or a seasoned vet, you know that there are just some patients that push you a little (or a lot) over the edge some days. Most of the time, we are pretty easy going and know to expect the unexpected, especially if you are an ER nurse. Here are tips for dealing with difficult patients while travel nursing that you can think about when you or your patient are having one of those days.

Use these tips to be a PRO at Dealing With Difficult Patients

Listen

Whether your difficult patient is in for something minor or something major, sometimes they just want to be heard. Just a moment to make eye contact and hear them out with all their complaints, doubts, anger, etc. This could be a way of expressing how nervous or scared they are about what may or may not be happening. One of our Gypsy’s put it best on Facebook, “Listen, and listen some more. If a patient has a complaint about a previous nurse, often better to just listen, then obtain the presence of the charge nurse or supervisor, or if the facility has a patient liaison or representative. A lot of times, they just need to be heard. Never make excuses.”

Respond

It’s typical after a long day or even a long week to have a short fuse. Nurse or not, we are all guilty of this from time to time. Although for you, it may seem like a no-brainer, sometimes all they need is for someone to hear them out and respond with patience and kindness. Assure them that they will have all their questions answered and even ask if anything needs to be clarified. This may take a bit longer for some, but in the long haul will result in a better, more satisfying stay for both.

Ask

“Ask when you can’t find something, ask when you don’t understand them, ask for help if you need it, ask if you can help them, ask the patient questions, it’s okay to show emotion to your patient, it’s okay to sit and cry with them. Sitting down next to them for 30 seconds makes it feel like you spent 5-10
minutes with them sometimes. Share yourself with patients and their families.” This can mean the world to your patients and the lives they touch by a simple act of compassion. Showing the patient that you’re human, too, with a little bit of humility can go a long way in calming them down as well.

Kill them with kindness

Biting your tongue can be hard. It’s not always going to be a difficult patient that is just hurt or confused, or frustrated. Sometimes you just plain cannot calm them down or talk sense into them. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s perhaps something they’ve ingested that is making them act that way. For all involved, at times, it may be best for the sake of your own sanity to kill them with kindness. Even at your highest stress level, at least you can leave with no remorse in your actions and may even be able to get a laugh out of it down the road.

If all else fails, be honest

When you have tried and tried, and nothing seems to work, be sure you abide by the policy and let the patient know, calmly, the consequences of their actions if they proceed. Making sure you have documentation of what you’ve done or tried to do, as well as any documentation they may need to fill out to leave AMA, etc., it’s best to have all your ducks in a row. It may be that “gentle” nudge to show them that you care, but respect is expected both ways.

Take-Away

How do travel nurses deal with difficult patients?

Listen, Respond, Ask Question, Kill them with kindness, and if all else fails…be honest.

We hope these tips for dealing with difficult patient helps you regroup your thoughts after a rough day, make you feel like you’re not alone on these crazy days, or even help if you’re new to the game. We love hearing your thoughts and what works best for you! Comment below with your best advice to share with the gypsy community!

Check out these
HOT TRAVEL NURSE JOBS

By Soliant Health

February 10, 2021

7010 Views

Fall Back in Love with Travel Nursing – Five Reasons Why You Started in the First Place

Posted on February 10, 2021May 19, 2021 by Soliant Health

This article was provided by Soliant Health.

No doubt about it, 2020 was rough. It was rough for the average human, much less those working in the healthcare field, especially nurses. It could’ve been the hardest year of your career and challenged you in ways you never thought possible. It might have very well been the fight of your life. Yet, here you are. You made it. Let’s not pretend that 2021 isn’t shaping up to be just as…interesting, but never again will you be caught off guard like you were in March of 2020. Never again will you think, ‘well, that can’t happen’ because now you know it most certainly can, and best of all, you most certainly can handle it. The downside of all this empowerment and growth is, you may be feeling a bit tapped out. Maybe even like you’re at the end of your rope with all this ‘humanity’ nonsense and having very clear and present thoughts about going off-grid and forgetting the world exists, and we wouldn’t blame you.

However.

We would like to remind you of that little kid who made up their mind about the rest of their life so young, people were shocked when you made it happen. Or that high-schooler who applied to the school of their dreams…and got in! Or that grad student who thought they would never see the light of day again, but they did. And that very first day, of your very first assignment, when you took a deep breath and knew it had all been worth it. Whether you’re a life-long travel nurse or just getting started, there is a reason why you choose this field, and now is a great time to remind yourself why.

It’s Exciting:

You’re not built for a desk job. Sitting in an 8×8 cube and staring at a screen all day would drive you crazy, and you know it. It’s something you knew pretty early on too. Your mind can download and process information quickly, and as such, you require more stimulation than the next person. New cases, new patients, and new opportunities every day invigorate you. Now, add in the travel aspect of your career choice, and you’re right where you need to be, wherever that is.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

For 18 years in a row, nurses have been rated the most honest and ethical profession according to Americans’ Gallup surveys, outpacing doctors by 20 points (and members of Congress by 73). In a world where people don’t trust anyone, they trust their nurses. They listen to their nurses. They respect their nurses. Your integrity and professionalism proceed you from assignment to assignment, and you’ve earned that respect. You should be proud of yourself. We sure are.

Job Security:

Stability appeals to you. Nurses and healthcare professionals will always be in demand. It is a recension-proof (and we now know apocalyptic virus-proof) field of study. 2020 taught us that while always in demand, the healthcare field can change just as quickly as any other profession. Being a travel nurse means you’re ready to go where you’re needed and, as such, are a precious resource. In fact, one article referred to travel nursing as ‘the hottest job during a pandemic,’ and the need keeps on growing.

Flexibility:

There’s something to be said for a flexible work environment, and this control over your schedule is important to you. You chose nursing because it offers multiple opportunities for flexibility in scheduling, work settings, and specialization. Medical facilities need someone 24-hours a day and typically base work shifts and days off according to the facility’s expected demands and employee requests. Travel nursing opens this door even wider for per diem and PRN assignments, allowing you to take control of your career path and take time for yourself and your mental health. (Not last year, of course. But usually.)

To Make a Difference:

Hands down, the number one reason nurses in all fields across the globe give for choosing their profession is to make a difference in the lives of others. Like this nurse in Nebraska who stopped on the way to her daughter’s wedding to save a life or this nurse in Indiana who saved a life while volunteering, stories about nurses going above and beyond the call of duty flood the internet. This is your calling. This is what you were made for. This is your bag, baby.

Here at Soliant, we have a saying, a motto if you will. We make life better for those who make lives better. We see you. We see you going above and beyond every day. We see you hanging in there when others might have thrown in the towel. We see you making life better for everyone, and we think it’s time someone helped make your life a little bit better too. Give us a call today and let us show you how we can help manage your travel assignments, putting your focus back on what you’ve always loved: saving this crazy world – one patient at a time.

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 Registered Nursing.org

February 9, 2021

4747 Views

The Effects of COVID-19 on the Role of the Psychiatric Nurse

Posted on February 9, 2021May 19, 2021 by Registered Nursing.org

The pandemic and its effects have caused stress and fear for all due to uncertainty and loss. Nurses are in a particularly difficult situation, caring for COVID-19 patients often in understaffed environments with limited resources. It is not surprising that many nurses are experiencing high rates of burnout and anxiety. The experience of a psychiatric nurse in the midst of a pandemic is an interesting one. They may not be treating the physical symptoms of the virus, but rather the complex mental health issues patients are facing. The additional stress of COVID-19 has expanded the number of patients requiring psychiatric treatment, which impacts the role of psychiatric nurses. How has their role changed, and what can be done to better support our mental health patients and professionals?

The Psychiatric Nurse Work Environment

Unfortunately, not much is known yet about the true effect of the pandemic on psychiatric nurses. Psychiatric nurses’ top concerns were explored in one recent study which assessed how COVID-19 has affected mental health nurses’ ability to deliver care. Adapting to an evolving work environment was the number one concern as many practices have moved to working remotely. This has some benefits, such as providing continuity of care and preventing the spread of the virus, but still has downfalls. Older adults may struggle with how to access digital technology such as patient portals while children with autism and special needs may experience paranoia and not understand the virtual experience.

The nurses expressed more exhaustion with remote work due to expectations of booking more appointments one after another. Additionally, nurses in a variety of mental health settings felt that they were working longer hours and experiencing an increased workload in relation to staffing shortages.

Empathetic nurses strive to provide excellent care for their patients, but many stated their patients were not receiving adequate care due to the reconfiguration of services. They also felt that the impact the pandemic was having on themselves personally was also affecting their ability to provide quality care. Community health psychiatric nurses also observed the lack of appropriate care they were able to provide to patients in their homes and the consequences of such situations.

Difficulty of Providing Inpatient Mental Health Care

Psychiatric nurses also identified the difficulty of attempting to socially distance between patients on the unit. Not surprisingly, the top concern among nurses working in inpatient mental health facilities is their risk of infection.

Mentally ill patients often do not comprehend or follow proper guidelines related to masking and social distancing. Nurses often have to de-escalate aggressive or combative patients without notice, which can result in no time to don proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Nurses in mental health facilities are also experiencing reduced levels of PPE, inadequate testing for COVID-19, and inconsistent or confusing infection control guidelines.

What Nurses Need to Provide Optimal Mental Health Care

70% of mental health nurses surveyed felt that support from their managers was key. This included guidance from local leaders in the mental health setting regarding clinical guidelines and how to navigate changes.

Unfortunately, they felt that general support resources were not as valuable. Additional staffing is necessary to prevent burnout from increased workloads. Telehealth policies from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association can be referenced for how to navigate working in a new digital environment.

It is critical for nurses to practice self-care, which they frequently recommend to their patients. Nurses must also practice self-compassion as they learn to cope and navigate caring for themselves and their patients during this historical time. It is not a sign of weakness to feel exhausted or overcome by stress and anxiety, and it’s imperative to ask for help.

Psychiatric and mental health nurses may not be the frontline workers we are used to hearing about, but they are vital to the holistic treatment of patients. The pandemic has highlighted the need for better mental health care for both patients and providers. More information is needed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the role of psychiatric nurses and their patients. In the meantime, it is essential for all healthcare providers to take an active role in assessing mental health concerns in their patients, as well as amongst each other, and offering nonjudgmental support.

About the author: Maegan Wagner, RN BSN CCM has worked across many nursing specialties including hospice, acute care, travel nursing, and case management. Aside from helping others, she enjoys reading, CrossFit, and days at the beach.

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

February 8, 2021

6545 Views

16 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 8, 2021May 19, 2021 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

This article was provided by OneStaff Medical.

It has been almost one year since the world changed due to COVID-19. And we are coming to a close on the ‘first’ Holidays in a pandemic.

Up next is Valentine’s Day.

Many Healthcare workers are putting in long, exhausting hours day in and day out to help combat the pandemic. Some may even be living away from their loved ones over the Holiday.

So how can you safely celebrate Valentine’s Day with your Valentine?

Don’t worry. We did some research for you and found 16 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone in person and virtually.

Together on Valentine’s Day

If you will be together with your Valentine, here are pandemic-safe activities you can do together in the comfort of your own home!

Get your knowledge on and have an at-home trivia night with other’s virtually (Jackbox, Houseparty)
Become a mixologist and take a virtual cocktail with Liquid Lab
Crank up the tunes and have a dance party for two
Have a board game night (save the stress and leave Monopoly out of this)
Find a fancy recipe online and make a nice meal together
OR have a ‘Nailed It’ style bake-off to see who will be on deck to make next year’s Christmas Cookies
Get outside and go on a hike to take in the fresh air together (& pump up those endorphins ;))
Look into your future together and create a couples vision board
Travel around the world from the comfort of your home virtually

Long Distance Love

Being part of a long-distance relationship is already difficult, even more so during the holiday of love. If you’ll be celebrating your love from a distance, here are some fun activities you can still do together from your own homes. It may not be the same as being in person, but you can still create memories that last.

Call your significant other right away in the morning, and before you go to bed, so you are the first person they talk to when they wake up and the last person before they go to bed
Order each other food to be delivered to one another and eat together via video chat
Eat cake by the ocean (Literally or via Zoom background)
Stream a movie or binge-watch your favorite show at the same time via Netflix Party
Play virtual games together via Jackbox, gaming console, Snapchat Games
Mail Letters to each other leading up to Valentine’s Day
Send one another Valentine’s Day Care Packages

Whether you are spending the day together or apart, you can certainly make this holiday one to remember. Take a little extra time out of your day to make sure your significant other feels loved and appreciated. Happy Valentine’s Day!

By Luke Smith

February 1, 2021

7837 Views

Remote Work Considerations for Travel Nurses

Posted on February 1, 2021May 19, 2021 by Luke Smith

The healthcare industry often goes through periods of difficulty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been one of the most challenging. Travel nurses are essential contributors to the front line of this crisis, often providing care to those who have difficulty accessing it. However, it has also become increasingly important to curb unnecessary travel and physical contact.

As a result, some nurses have begun to consider alternative ways to provide their expertise. One of the safest career avenues to explore at this time is remote working thanks to digital innovation.

The Market

We live in an increasingly technologically enhanced world. This means that there are more digital tools that can help us react to this period of crisis with innovation. It has also resulted in an increasing number of full-time or hybrid remote nursing positions.

For those who intend to remain in traditional patient practice, telemedicine is often the most appropriate choice. It allows travel nurses to maintain their trusted relationships with the community through methods that most have access to. It’s also more conducive to providing long term care — not only can they monitor the physical symptoms of issues such as chronic pain, but also signs that could suggest a change in patients’ psychological condition. Video calls help to give a venue for open, safe discussion about anxiety and depression, which is especially important at this time in which many are feeling isolated.

Away from strictly care-based work, travel nurses can engage in more varied roles. Many schools are halting on-campus lessons, and as such, nurse educators can pass on their expertise via e-learning platforms. There are also opportunities in legislative fields that may require travel nurses to make assessments on insurance denials and review evidence in the appeals process. The market is growing, and travel nurses who can use their expertise in an agile way are increasingly demanding.

Practicality

Although remote opportunities are growing for travel nurses, there are still several inconveniences when it comes to practicality. Not everybody is well set up to work from home, and as a result, many will require additional investments to function remotely.

Therefore it’s important to look into:

Private Space

Nurses with families need to make certain they have a spare room or private space to work in. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) still requires compliance from medical professionals wherever they happen to be working. Make sure consultations cannot be overheard and that physical records are locked securely away.

Connectivity

No matter the scenario, nursing employers should arrange for a connection on their network. Otherwise, remote nurses need to ensure that they have a reliable high-speed internet connection. Quality care can’t be provided if patients suffer interruptions during consultations or have trouble sharing data.

Support System

Working from home can be a stressful, isolating experience for those more used to having frequent contact. Nurses can help combat this by arranging regular communication with colleagues, particularly with those who work from home. This can also be a vital source of assistance when reviewing difficult health conditions.

Security

As previously mentioned, HIPAA compliance should be maintained even in a home environment. Additionally, HIPAA should also be evaluated from a cybersecurity standpoint when evaluating the eligibility of remote work. Risks of private information being breached can be higher when working away from a facility, so it’s important to look into:

Protecting the Cloud

Most travel nurses will already be familiar with how the cloud can make their work easier. However, it can also be a target for cybercriminals. To avoid this danger, use a strong password strategy. Adopt a password manager where possible, and enable two-factor authentication to make it more difficult for others to access stored files.

Understanding the Risks

It is well known that users’ behavior is what usually allows cybercriminals to infect networks. Nurses should seek to educate themselves on how to recognize the popular techniques — such as phishing and malware infection — and how to respond effectively.

Securing Networks

While it is less likely that cybercriminals will target your home network, public networks are a different matter. If you must work from public wifi in a coffee shop or co-working space, utilize a robust virtual private network (VPN) platform to avoid data breaches.

Conclusion

The world is changing, and with it comes innovative opportunities for travel nurses. Remote working can be a safer option during this pandemic and can open up new professional avenues. However, it’s also important to ensure that all the practical necessities are in place and that security is treated with paramount concern.

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

START HERE

The obvious…TRAVEL

Flexible schedule

Great Pay

Making new friends

Nurses are more needed than ever

Adventurous lifestyle

Always learning

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

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

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However.

It’s Exciting:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

Job Security:

Flexibility:

To Make a Difference:

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!)