May 23, 2025

2032 Views

Navigating Travel Nursing: Preparing for Your Next Assignment

Posted on May 23, 2025April 28, 2025 by Miles Oliver

Being a good travel nurse is about more than just delivering high-quality patient care. It’s also about mastering the logistics of a highly transient lifestyle. From securing reliable transportation to choosing assignments in high-demand locations, success in travel nursing requires careful planning and strategic decision-making, not just for your current job, but also for your next assignment.

Proper preparation means the difference between a stressful transition and a smooth, productive experience. Making informed decisions about your career’s trajectory, as well as where you will live, how you will travel, and how you will prepare for your next assignment, sets you up for continued success in this dynamic career.

This article covers essential topics for travel nurses, such as vehicle considerations, renting versus buying a car, selecting high-demand cities, and strategic planning to help maximize your nursing experience wherever you go.

Vehicle Considerations for Travel Nurses

A dependable vehicle is essential for travel nurses, as frequent relocations demand reliability and adaptability. The right car can ensure safe and cost-effective transportation between assignments, allowing you to focus on your career without unnecessary stress.

When choosing a vehicle, prioritize fuel efficiency, comfort, and storage space. Long drives between assignments — or when relocating for your next assignment — require a comfortable ride with ample storage for transporting personal belongings and work essentials. Also, consider how well your vehicle will handle diverse weather conditions, so you’re ready to navigate everything from snowy roads in the Northeast to humid coastal highways in the South.

For nurses working primarily in urban areas, compact cars offer easy parking and great fuel economy. Meanwhile, those who prefer a mobile lifestyle might find an RV or larger vehicle more convenient since it provides flexibility and housing on the go.

Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Right for You?

One of the bigger decisions travel nurses need to make is whether to rent or buy a vehicle. The choice should be based on your assignment frequency, travel distances, and financial considerations — which may vary from one next assignment to the next.

Renting offers flexibility, allowing you to switch vehicles depending on your location and assignment needs. It also eliminates concerns about maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. If your assignments are short-term or spread across different regions, renting might be the best option.

On the other hand, buying a vehicle can be a practical investment if you tend to work in one geographic area for extended periods. Ownership provides stability and can be more cost-effective in the long run, though it does come with ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, and registration.

However, purchasing a car while relocating frequently has its own set of challenges, including state registration laws, tax differences, and logistical concerns. Understanding the nuances of buying a car across state lines can help ensure a smooth transition as you move into your next assignment.

High-Demand Cities for Travel Nurses

Where you choose to take assignments can have a major impact on your earning potential, career growth, and job satisfaction. Cities with high demand for nurses, such as San Francisco or Boston, often generally offer better compensation and job security than other cities. They can also provide valuable professional experience for your next assignment and beyond.

Metropolitan areas and regions experiencing nursing shortages tend to have the highest demand for travel nurses. These locations often provide attractive benefits, such as sign-on bonuses, housing stipends, and opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, working in hospitals with critical staffing needs allows you to gain hands-on experience in fast-paced environments.

Before accepting your next assignment, research the cost of living, hospital rankings, and available community resources. Choosing the right location based on both your career goals and personal lifestyle preferences ensures a fulfilling experience.

Strategic Planning for Travel Nursing Assignments

A well-planned relocation strategy contributes to stress-free transitions between assignments. Understanding the nuances of each new assignment’s location before arriving will help you hit the ground running and better prepare for your next assignment.

Start by researching housing options, local healthcare facilities, and transportation availability. Short-term housing solutions such as extended-stay hotels, furnished apartments, and travel nurse housing platforms can provide convenience and stability.

Beyond logistics, consider professional development opportunities. Continuing education, networking, and mentorship can enhance your career prospects and keep you competitive in the travel nursing market. Attending industry conferences and engaging in online nursing communities are also great ways to stay connected with peers and discover new opportunities between assignments.

By taking a proactive approach to travel nursing, you can streamline your assignments, reduce stress, and position yourself for long-term success in the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

Travel nursing is a rewarding career that blends new adventures with professional growth. While the job comes with unique logistical challenges, success ultimately depends on careful planning and adaptability.

Every choice, from picking the right vehicle to finding high-demand locations, shapes how smooth and enjoyable your assignments will be. With an intentional approach to your next assignment and beyond, each nursing opportunity has the potential to become more than just a job, becoming an opportunity for advancement, exploration, and personal fulfillment.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Vibra Travels

May 20, 2025

2170 Views

Wellness on the Road: Prioritize You

Posted on May 20, 2025April 29, 2025 by Vibra Travels

Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2025

Life as a travel nurse or clinician is full of adventure, but it also comes with a unique set of stressors: adapting to new environments, navigating shifting schedules, and often being far from your support system. This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re focusing on ways to take care of the most important part of your assignment—you.

Top Wellness Tools That Travel Well 🧘‍♀️📱

These apps and resources are perfect for busy clinicians who need quick, effective ways to reset, recharge, and protect their mental health while on assignment:

Calm or Headspace – Ideal for quick meditations before or after your shift, both offer guided breathing, sleep help, and even daily mindfulness exercises to reduce anxiety.
Insight Timer – A free favorite with everything from sleep stories to ambient music, and tools for deeper self-reflection.
MyPossibleSelf – A wellness app rooted in clinical psychology, it helps with journaling, managing stress, and tracking mood changes.
7-Minute Workout – A time-crunched traveler’s dream. This app gives you short, science-backed workouts to get your endorphins up without needing a gym.
Shine – Created by and for marginalized communities, Shine provides affirmations, meditations, and community support, especially centered around BIPOC mental health.

💬 Pro Tip: Block off 5–10 minutes in your calendar each day as a “check-in” window. Journaling, stretching, deep breathing—whatever feels doable. Over time, those few minutes compound into real mental wellness.

👉 Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental health is just as essential as showing up for your patients. Keep these wellness apps handy on the road.

Your Ultimate Short-Term Stay Guide

Housing Help: Top Tips From the Road

Let’s face it: housing is one of the biggest stressors to your wellness when jumping from one assignment to the next. But with the right strategy (and a little creativity), finding short-term housing can go from overwhelming to seamless.

🔑 Top Platforms to Explore

Furnished Finder – The gold standard for clinicians; hosts here are familiar with the needs of healthcare travelers and often offer lease flexibility.
Facebook Groups – Try “Travel Nurse Housing” or local travel nurse groups. Fellow travelers often post listings or insider recommendations.
Zillow (Short-Term Filters) – Offers access to legitimate rental options from verified landlords—just be sure to narrow your search.
Airbnb/VRBO – While they can be pricier, these platforms are perfect for last-minute stays or hard-to-find locations. Use long-stay discounts!
Hospital Boards or Staff Resources – Ask your recruiter or unit manager if the hospital has internal housing boards or partner hosts.

📦 Pro Housing Hacks

Negotiate like a pro – Always ask if the listed price is flexible, especially for stays longer than 30 days. Many hosts are open to nurse discounts.
Create a “comfort kit” – Bring small touches of home: a favorite candle, your pillow, cozy socks, or snacks you love. These tiny details make a big difference in a new space.
Do a neighborhood scan – Before you book, research your commute, safety ratings, nearby grocery stores, and Wi-Fi quality (especially if you chart from home!).
Check the fine print – Make sure your rental has a flexible cancellation policy in case your assignment is canceled or moved.

👉 Bonus Tip: Ask fellow travel nurses about their favorite housing wins—and fails. Firsthand reviews are gold.

Now’s the Time to Plan Ahead!

Seasonal Shift: Why Summer Assignments Are Awesome ☀️

Summer travel assignments aren’t just a way to boost your income—they’re a gateway to amazing locations, work-life balance, and in-demand contracts.

🌸 Increased Demand = More Opportunities

Summer is peak time for staff PTO and higher patient loads, which means more openings for travelers. This leads to:

Faster placement and onboarding
More negotiating power on contracts
Opportunities for crisis pay or overtime in certain regions

If you’re open to flexibility, you may also find assignments that combine great locations and higher compensation.

🌴 Travel-Friendly Vibes

From coastal towns to national parks, summer brings out the best in travel destinations, which can also help with your mental health and wellness. It’s the perfect time to say “yes” to assignments near:

Beaches and lakes
Hiking trails and campgrounds
Music festivals and local events
Cities with lively summer scenes and outdoor dining

After your shift, imagine sunset walks, local farmer’s markets, or kayaking with friends you met on assignment. These moments make travel nursing magical.

📅 Plan Ahead for the Best Picks

Housing fills up fast in summer hot spots. The earlier you start chatting with your recruiter, the more likely you’ll land your dream assignment—with housing and pay that match.

✅ Start prepping now by:

Reviewing your license status (do you need a new compact license?)
Updating your traveler profile and references
Communicating availability and preferred destinations with your recruiter

Let this summer be the one where you thrive professionally and personally. Keeping your wellness at the top of your mind! You’ve got options—and we’ve got your back.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your housing search.

By Furnished Finder

September 29, 2024

7548 Views

Pros & Cons of Renting a Room vs. a Whole Place on Your Next Assignment

Posted on September 29, 2024September 26, 2024 by Furnished Finder

When you first start your travel nurse adventure, a good thing to focus on is your why. Why are you traveling? Do you want to save money? Pay off debt? See and experience new places? Your why will be the guide for how you make decisions, especially when it comes to location and housing, especially renting a room vs. a whole house.

Travel nurse housing is super flexible these days, and you can usually find many options to fit your budget and preferences. Thanks to tools like Furnished Finder, you can find the perfect private home or rent a room from someone if you are trying to be more budget-friendly. There are, of course, pros and cons to renting a room or a whole place.

Pros of Renting a Room vs. a Whole Place

Saving Money
- This is the most obvious reason, but still important. If your goal while travel nursing is to maximize profit, sharing a room is a great way to do that.
Making Friends
- Hopefully, you will hit it off with your roommate and can either meet people through them or at least have someone to chat with when you are at home. This can make a big difference when you know absolutely no one in a new place.
The Space May Be Nicer
- If the house is the landlord’s personal home, they will usually furnish and decorate a place they live in in a way that is nicer than a separate rental. Often, rental spaces can feel a little generic or have less homey touches, but if you are living with your roommate, the space might be a little more spruced up.
You Might Score a Semi-Private Space
- If you take the time to look, you can find places that still have things like a private bath or small kitchenettes listed as a “room for rent.” These are often cheaper than an entire space but may be perfect if you don’t cook a lot or don’t mind going to the main part of the house on occasion.

Cons of Renting a Room vs. a Whole Place

Pets are Trickier
- Again, if the housing is the landlord’s personal home, they might be more hesitant to host a pet if they are living with said pet every day. Or, other pets in the household may not be friendly to your furry friend tagging along.
Less Privacy
- If you want to come home and lounge on the couch in your underwear after a day at work, renting a room may not be the best option for you.
Visitor Restrictions
- If you are staying in a room in the landlord’s personal home, they may not allow guests. Just because a landlord is willing to host travelers in their home does not mean they are willing to host friends or relatives who come to visit. If your family, boyfriend, or kids like to come visit regularly, it might get trickier if you have to coordinate visits with your landlord’s comfort.
Night Shift Might Be Harder
- If you are a light sleeper and work nights, you may want to check if potential roommates will be home a lot during the day. Sleep is so important–so make sure you won’t be suffering on empty for 13 weeks.

Thankfully, Furnished Finder’s search option makes it easy to find the space that has the right amenities and living situation for you. For example, if you have a very strict budget, you can do a general search and see what is available in terms of Entire Units and Rooms.

Or, if you prioritize privacy over everything else, you can choose to only look at Entire Units when you are searching for housing for your next assignment.

Better yet–if you are looking to find someplace that might feel impossible, you can use the various filters to narrow down your search even more. For example, you might be moving somewhere typically more expensive, like the Bay Area, and want to bring your pet. You can go in and specifically look for Rooms for Rent that are also pet-friendly. The beauty of Furnished Finder is there are a lot of ways to narrow down your search to find the perfect midterm rental for your next travel assignment.

Every traveler will have different housing needs–and these might even change from assignment to assignment. Some travelers might meet their best friend via a roommate situation, while others would never in a million years share a home with a stranger. The important thing is to choose the housing that is the best for you and your situation!

We hope you found this article on renting a room vs. a whole place helpful. Do you prefer renting a room or a whole house? Do you have any other pros or cons of renting a room or a whole place? Comment below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Miles Oliver

September 27, 2024

2516 Views

Stress Management Tips for Travel Nurses: Wellness Strategies for the Road

Posted on September 27, 2024September 24, 2024 by Miles Oliver

Just as you are starting to feel settled in one place, you get shipped off to somewhere else. Every few weeks, you are heading somewhere new, and you hardly have time to breathe, let alone spend quality time with your hometown friends and family. You are a travel nurse, and all this chaos is part of the gig.

Still, you can’t be an effective healthcare provider if you are constantly stressed. Before you start to experience the first symptoms of burnout, you should learn safe strategies for keeping your stress in check, even as you are heading off to your next assignment.

Stress Management Tips for Travel Nurses:

Stay Organized

As the saying goes, a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind — and the same goes for a grimy, disordered apartment. Most travel nursing assignments are long enough that you will find your belongings migrating out of your suitcase, so you should make sure you have a place to put everything.

You might find it easier to get and stay organized each time you pack for your next travel nursing assignment and leave behind unnecessary clutter. If you travel often, make sure to make a list and keep all of your essentials in their place. Packing is one of the worst parts of traveling, be it for fun or business. A well-organized apartment acts as a perfect springboard for all of your adventures and the tightly packed suitcase you bring along with you.

Sleep Well

You might remember this tip from nursing school, but the wisdom still holds true. If you feel like you only have enough time off to sleep, you should make sure you sleep especially well. You should try to practice impeccable sleep hygiene, which involves maintaining a regular sleep schedule, keeping your bedroom calm, and turning off electronics at least 30 minutes before trying to sleep.

To make your sleep feel like a treat, you might invest in a plush mattress, luxury bedding, and particularly cozy pajamas. If you are stuck on a night shift, you should make sure your bedroom is adequately dark during your sleep hours, and you might try using a sound machine to block out daytime noise.

Eat Better

Food has many effects on your stress levels. Your brain is particularly sensitive to certain types of stress caused by poor diet, so if you aren’t careful to consume the right nutrients, you might notice that even small amounts of stress start to feel overwhelming. While you absolutely can indulge in your favorite junk foods every now and again, you should try to fill most of your meals with whole foods, particularly fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Get Out

You became a travel nurse for a reason, and it probably has to do with the opportunity to travel. Any spare minute you have outside of work, you should spend exploring your new surroundings. Ideally, you should get outside, as being in nature has been shown to significantly reduce stress levels. However, you can also wander around museums or other cultural sites in your new town if that’s what you prefer.

Make Friends

Humans are social creatures, which means we need social interaction to maintain positive mental health. You might have left your family and friends in your hometown, but that doesn’t mean you have to live like a hermit during your travel assignments. In fact, you should go out of your way to get to know new people everywhere you visit. Making new friends will allow you to feel more comfortable in your new location, and it will help you build your personal and professional network.

There are dozens of ways to make long-lasting friendships, from connecting with other nurses at the hospital or on social media to finding people who share your hobbies, like running or reading. If you are open-minded and gracious as you build new relationships, you might be surprised at how quickly you can become close with new friends.

If you don’t take steps to manage your stress as you move from here to there, you might not last long as a travel nurse. Using these tips, you could come to love the travel nursing lifestyle, just like countless travel nurses before you.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

August 28, 2024

2649 Views

How to Maintain Relationships While on a Travel Assignment

Posted on August 28, 2024August 23, 2024 by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

Favorite Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

We know that being away from loved ones during a travel assignment can be hard at times. However, there are many easy ways to stay close and connected while still being far apart in distance. Here is our list of tips on how to maintain relationships while you’re on a travel assignment.

Tips on how to maintain relationships while you’re on a travel assignment:

Stay in consistent communication.

Even though you can’t talk face-to-face when on a travel assignment, you’ll always be able to pick up the phone and give your loved ones a call. If you’re not big on phone calls, you can also text, video chat, and email. A good way to stay in communication is by having a set day or time that you talk to one another so that you make it a part of your routine.

Give the person you’re thinking about a call when you’re either on your way to work and have a long drive, when you finish working a shift, or even during your lunch break. No matter when you choose to talk, at least you’ll be able to catch up and chat.

Try to make it fun by creating traditions.

A fun way to distract yourself from the fact that you’re away from your family and friends is by creating traditions. The day or night before you leave for an assignment, you could make it a tradition to spend the day together doing your favorite things. Other fun traditions include having a special date night, taking a short trip once you return from a long assignment, or even just watching a show together but separately while on your assignment.

Use social media to stay connected.

A fun and easy way to stay connected with loved ones is through social media. If you’re on an adventure and want to be able to share the moment, send them a Snapchat so they can see what you’re up to! You can also just send posts that you see to one another to show that you’re thinking of each other. If you’re not a big social media user, you can also stay connected by playing games together, such as Words with Friends!

Plan surprises

A thoughtful way to show that you’re thinking about your family, friend, or partner is by surprising them. If it works out for you, you can either surprise them by traveling to see them or even by sending them a simple gift. Either way, they will appreciate the effort that you put into making them happy.

Have a set plan

It’s crucial to have a set plan when traveling on assignments. Have a specific date of when you will be returning home, as well as when you’ll travel to see each other if that is an option. If you aren’t too far from home, you can even plan a few days off to travel back to see your loved ones. Many people think that travel nurse assignments have to be far away from home, but they can actually be closer than you might think. This can benefit you greatly if you’re prone to getting homesick.

Set expectations

Setting expectations is also very important to remember when maintaining relationships on travel nurse assignments. Know that it can be hard at times to be away from your family or partner. However, you just need to remember that it is only temporary and that you will get through it. It’s also important to know that being a travel nurse on assignments means that you have to be flexible with not only your schedule but your approach to connection as well. As long as you’re aware of what travel assignments entail, you’ll have the best time on your adventures, making memories that last a lifetime.

We hope these tips help all travel nurses maintain their relationships while they’re away on assignments. How do you maintain your relationships while on assignment? Are there any more tips for maintaining relationships that should make our list? Comment them below. You can also search our open jobs if you’re looking to book your next travel nurse assignment!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Medical Solutions

August 21, 2024

4989 Views

What States Are RNs in Highest Demand?

Posted on August 21, 2024August 12, 2024 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Where would your nursing skills make the biggest impact? Some states are desperately seeking RNs to keep up with patient care demands. An aging population, nurse burnout, and a wave of retirements among experienced nurses have left many facilities scrambling to fill gaps. If you’re considering travel nursing and want to go where help is needed most, here’s a friendly guide to the states where RNs are currently in very high demand.

States with the Highest Immediate Demand for RNs:

California

California isn’t just famous for its sunny beaches and Hollywood glamour—it’s also at the top of the list for nursing demand. As the most populated state in the U.S. and the highest-paying travel nursing location, California has about 8.34 nurses per 1,000 people and has an average of 23,420 job openings each year. Sure, the cost of living is high, but so are the pay rates for travel nurses. So, if you’re drawn to the state’s laid-back energy and the serene beauty of the coast, there are always plenty of assignments in California for any specialty.

Texas

Texas, the Lone Star State, has a huge demand for nurses due to its growing population and sheer state size. Texas has about 7.69 nurses per 1,000 people with an average annual of 16,900 RN openings. Rural areas, in particular, are feeling the pinch, which led Texas facilities to offer more incentives to attract nurses. This means there are plenty of travel nursing opportunities across Texas, from urban hospitals to charming rural clinics, each offering you a chance to make a real difference in underserved communities.

Florida

Florida, known for its retirees and tourists, is also a hotspot for nurses, especially in long-term care and emergency services. With 8.88 nurses per 1,000 people, Florida has an average of 14,110 job openings each year. The state’s frequent hurricanes add to the need for emergency care expertise, but an assignment there is not all work and no play—Florida life is vibrant and diverse, an appealing destination if you’re looking for a warmer climate.

States with the Fastest-Growing Demand

New York

New York’s need for nurses skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to remain high. With over 19 million residents and a healthcare system known for its research and innovation, New York needs a steady flow of nurses to meet its diverse healthcare needs. The state currently has about 9.68 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 33,420 more by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing From the fast-paced environment of New York City to the serene upstate regions, travel nurses can find roles that offer both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Arizona

Arizona’s warm climate and affordable living attract both retirees and young professionals. The state has about 7.61 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 22,980 more RNs by 2030. As the state’s population grows, so does the need for nurses. Arizona is actively working to prevent a severe nursing crisis by 2025, and travel nurses can play a crucial role in supporting this effort while enjoying everything this great state has to offer.

What Causes a Nursing Shortage?

Several factors are at play, creating both challenges and opportunities for travel nurses like you:

Aging Population: The Baby Boomer generation, roughly 73 million people, is at retirement age, dramatically increasing the need for geriatric and chronic illness care.
Aging Workforce: Many nurses are nearing retirement, creating a gap of nurses that needs to be filled by new, skilled professionals.
Nurse Burnout: The pandemic worsened already high levels of stress and burnout among nurses, leading many to leave the profession in search of better work-life balance.
Faculty Shortage: Nursing schools are turning away qualified applicants due to a lack of faculty, clinical sites, and resources, limiting the number of new nurses entering the workforce.

Ready to Make a Difference and Earn More? Travel With the Best Nursing Agency

If you’re ready to take your skills where they’re needed most, explore travel nursing opportunities in these high-demand states and join the effort to provide top-notch patient care across the nation. Apply with Medical Solutions today to find the perfect fit for your skills and preferences and start your journey toward making a meaningful impact in these amazing states.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Medely

June 28, 2024

5116 Views

5 Reasons Why Using Travel Nurses is Still a Huge Win for Healthcare Facilities

Posted on June 28, 2024May 21, 2024 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

Travel nurses have seen the rise and fall of demand in hospitals and healthcare facilities post-pandemic and beyond, leading many to think about changing career paths. In this blog, we’ll discuss the reasons why hospitals and healthcare facilities still love utilizing travel nurses alongside their full-time staff and why travel nurses should stay the course. At Medely, we work with thousands of healthcare facilities across the country, so we know the compelling reasons why hospitals and healthcare facilities will continue to leverage travel nurses now and into the future.

5 reasons why healthcare facilities will continue to leverage travel nurses now and into the future:

1. Addressing nursing shortages

There is a persistent nursing shortage in the U.S., exacerbated by an aging population and a wave of retirements among the current nursing workforce. Travel nurses provide a flexible solution to fill these gaps quickly, ensuring that patient care is not compromised because facilities are understaffed.

Today, nursing leaders and facility managers have seen many nurses and healthcare professionals leave the industry because they’re exhausted and burnt out.

In fact, there is a projected nursing shortage in the U.S. of between 200K and 450K registered nurses (RNs) by 2025, according to McKinsey & Company.

Meanwhile, as the Baby Boomer generation ages and needs more care, patient demand increases as nursing staffing numbers drop. This leads to many facilities relying on overtime, which is expensive and exhausting for their permanent staff, causing burnout and churn.

Here’s where travel nursing assignments end up being a huge win for healthcare facilities. Travel nurses stay at a facility for multiple weeks at a time, so facilities can use that time to give their staff a break. With travel nursing assignments, healthcare leaders no longer need to rely solely on offering overtime and burning out their full-time staff, which means travel nurses are contributing to improving team morale and a positive work environment at healthcare facilities. Plus, leaders can use that time that they have a traveler on staff to look for permanent staff while they are covered so they can manage their workforce in a sustainable way.

2. Enhanced patient care and satisfaction

The biggest win for healthcare facilities? When their patients are taken care of and they can provide the best possible outcomes. Travel nursing helps them do that.

Adequate staffing levels are directly correlated with better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction rates. Travel nurses help maintain appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios, ensuring that patients receive timely and attentive care. This can lead to improved patient experiences, better patient health, and higher satisfaction scores for the facilities themselves.

3. Flexibility and scalability

Healthcare needs can fluctuate due to various factors, including seasonal illnesses, surges in inpatient cases, and much more. Travel nurses offer a scalable staffing solution, allowing hospitals to adjust their workforce based on real-time needs without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.

Leaders know that when they add headcount to their permanent staff, these team members support their staff, but that also adds costs and subtracts revenue as they also have to provide those staff members with benefits and total rewards packages.

However, when leaders add travelers to their teams for a long-term assignment that’s not a part of the permanent staff headcount, then they aren’t spending money on benefits packages or training. Instead, these traveling professionals are getting paid through a staffing solution like Medely that’s helping them find the right facilities and keeps them coming back to places they love.

4. Cost-effective staffing solution

While travel nurses may command higher hourly rates, they can be a cost-effective solution. Despite what many think after the surge in rates during the pandemic, travel assignment rates are starting to stabilize and still provide a lucrative career for travel nurses.

The cost is affordable enough to offer health professionals the incentive they need to travel or relocate, but it is also affordable enough for facilities to get the coverage they need without hiring a permanent staff member or burning out their current team with overtime.

This is especially true when you book through Medely instead of relying on expensive, slow agencies that tend to lack transparency in their rates.

5. Specialized skills and diversity of experience

Travel nurses often have a wealth of experience and specialized skills in high-demand areas such as critical care, emergency rooms, operating rooms, labor and delivery, and telemetry. By bringing in travel nurses, hospitals and healthcare facilities can ensure they have the right expertise to handle complex cases and improve patient outcomes.

Travel nurses also bring diverse perspectives and varied experiences from working in different healthcare settings across the country. This diversity can foster a culture of learning and innovation within the hospital, encouraging permanent staff to adopt new practices and approaches to patient care.

Conclusion

Travel nurses should be informed that using travel nursing assignments remains a huge win and strategic advantage for hospitals and healthcare facilities. Travel nursing assignments offer a versatile, cost-effective solution to address nursing staffing shortages, respond to surges in cases, and enhance patient care. By continuing to integrate travel nurses into their workforce, healthcare facilities will be able to maintain high standards of care, support their permanent staff, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of healthcare demands.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

May 25, 2024

3777 Views

How Recruiters Elevate the Travel Nursing Experience

Posted on May 25, 2024May 22, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

Recruiters

Travel nursing is an exhilarating and fulfilling career path. It offers the unique opportunity to explore new places, meet diverse people, and gain invaluable professional experiences. The adventure of working in various healthcare settings across the country provides unparalleled personal and career rewards.

However, some logistics of the travel nurse life can be challenging to navigate, especially if you are a first-time traveler. A travel nurse recruiter can help! With their expert guidance and support, you’ll successfully tackle everything you need for your travel journey – and elevate your travel experience in the process.

How Recruiters Elevate the Travel Nursing Experience:

Optimizing Your Assignment Choices

One key benefit of working with a recruiter is their ability to match you with assignments that fit your lifestyle, including your desired locations, preferences, and career goals. By understanding your unique needs and aspirations, they can identify opportunities that might not be readily available through standard job searches, ensuring you find the best possible assignments.

Recruiters also have access to a vast network of healthcare facilities and job openings, including exclusive or high-demand positions. They’ve cultivated relationships with facilities and managed service providers, so they are one of the best resources you have for finding those to-good-to-be-true assignments.

Streamlining the Logistics

Utilizing a recruiter is vital to ensuring a smooth travel assignment. Travel recruiters are experts at handling every aspect of travel nursing, such as arranging interviews, helping you find housing, verifying credentialing and licensure requirements, and providing you assistance with your agency’s benefits. This lets you focus on delivering exceptional patient care and frees up your time to enjoy your travel adventures!

Licensure and Compliance

Each state has unique licensure requirements for healthcare professionals, and staying compliant is crucial to avoiding last-minute complications or missing out on your desired assignments. Travel recruiters can assist with licensure applications and renewals and ensure you meet all requirements. Be sure to discuss your licensure status and future travel plans with your recruiter so you can better prepare for every adventure.

Emotional and Moral Support

A good recruiter knows that life on the road is not always smooth. There are bound to be moments of frustration, just like in every career. Recruiters care about their travelers, and they want the best for you. They are always ready to lend a listening ear, offer reassurance, and celebrate your achievements, helping you stay motivated and focused on your journey. They can also help you connect with resources that can help you figure out any issues that arise throughout your journey.

Personalized Career Guidance

Whether you’re seeking to specialize in a particular field, explore new geographic regions, or balance work with personal commitments, recruiters provide insights and advice to help you make informed decisions. Their guidance ensures that each assignment or objective will contribute to your long-term career goals and personal fulfillment.

These are just a few ways your recruiter can help you get the most out of your travel experience. Think of them as your partner in travel: together, you can find the right assignments in the right places to help you thrive in your travel nurse career. They understand your unique needs and aspirations, so tap into their expert knowledge and experience to see how they can help you with your specific goals.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Cross Country Nurses

August 31, 2023

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How to Become a Travel Nurse

Posted on August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 by Cross Country Nurses

This article was provided by Cross Country Nurses.

As a travel nurse, an incredible personal and professional adventure awaits you. Travel nursing is attractive because it allows you to create your path and choose the journey to arrive successfully.

You will satisfy your wanderlust if you enjoy exploring as many new cities as possible while working at multiple facilities on a short-term contract for above-average pay. If you like to feel more settled and stay in one place for longer than 12-14 weeks while continuing to build relationships for above-average income, you can have the best of both worlds.

If travel nursing is the career you want to pursue to help others thrive while scratching your travel itch, how do you get there?

Steps and Stages to Become a Travel Nurse

Step 1: Earn a Degree

To be considered for travel nurse positions, you are required to have a registered nurse (RN) license through either an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a two-year program, or a bachelor of science (BSN), a four-year commitment.

The latter provides more job opportunities, career advancements, and stepping stones for continuing education. RN-to-BSN programs with an accelerated timeline are an option for those who have their ADN already and desire to earn a BSN degree.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Test for Success

As a nursing school graduate, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which tests your ability and competency to provide safe and effective nursing practice at the entry-level. As a travel nurse, you will need a license to work in any state outside of your home state.

Step 3: Get a Licensure

The next step of licensure, defined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), is “the process by which boards of nursing grant permission to an individual to engage in nursing practice after determining that the applicant has attained the competency necessary to perform a unique scope of practice.”

Thirty-five compact states in the U.S. participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you can receive one multi-state license. For the 13 non-compact states, you are required to have that specific state’s licensure.

Here is where it can get tricky. Just because you have a state license in a state that becomes compact doesn’t mean your license automatically becomes multi-state. As a nurse, you have to apply specifically for a multi-state license. To learn more on how healthcare professionals like you can get licensed in any U.S. state, click here.

Step 4: Gain Work Experience

Most hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer travel nurses to have at least one year of nursing experience in the specialty they will be contracted for, although some require two years of experience.

Volunteering, enrolling in a shadowing or mentor program, and finding an internship through your school are great ways to achieve hands-on experience while earning your degree. Your school may be a great resource and have paid student nurse positions. If you’ve already graduated, some employers are specifically looking for new graduates to train.

Step 5: Partner with a Travel Nurse Employment Agency

Choosing the right staffing agency is critical because they will become more than a resource for jobs. Your recruiter is someone you should be able to trust with all your travel nurse needs, including helping you navigate the compliance steps and regulatory paperwork.

Vaccination records and a physical exam
Copies of your license and certifications
A drug test and background check
Additional documentation required by healthcare facilities

An agency should also support your growth as a travel nurse, which may include furthering your education and expanding your skill set. Here are some examples of when you become part of the Cross Country family.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accredited Cross Country University, CCMSN provides CE Direct® online Continuing Education (C.E.) and Certification Review that will fulfill your C.E. requirements.
Access to over 700 award-winning continuing education (E.D.) courses
Advanced degree (BSN, MSN, DSN) tuition reimbursement of up to 20% from accredited academic partners

Good luck with your career as a travel nurse, and enjoy all those adventures coming your way soon.

To dive deeper into the world of travel nursing and read the answers to commonly asked questions, click here. To fill out an application to work with Cross Country, click here or call (800) 530-6125 to speak with a recruiter who will walk you through the application process and answer any additional questions.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

Vehicle Considerations for Travel Nurses

Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Right for You?

High-Demand Cities for Travel Nurses

Strategic Planning for Travel Nursing Assignments

Conclusion

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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