October 9, 2020

6968 Views

Benefits of Being a TGN Member

Posted on October 9, 2020May 19, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

There are many benefits to being a member of the Gypsy Nurse website. In this article, we will go over these benefits to help you understand these benefits and how to use them better.

Find nursing colleagues, connect, and privately message nurses.

Find fellow nurses in your new assignment area, nurses in the same specialty, or even nurses you have worked with in the past. Add them as a friend to keep in contact by messages or by using our 1-1 private video calling, explained below.

Connect with nursing friends with 1-1 private video calling.

This feature allows you to video chat with nurses you have connected or friended on our website. This is an easy way to connect in a more personal way than chat, text, or email. This is a secure video chat room that only you and the person you invite or invited can enter. A password is required to enter. Making this a secure chat.

You can use this feature to personalize the alerts you get. When creating your job alerts, you can decide what specialties or job types, locations, or keywords you want to be alerted to when they are posted.

Save and “favorite” multiple jobs for future applications.

With this feature, you can save jobs that may be a job you would be interested in applying to in the future. This feature is excellent if you are not quite ready to commit but want to have it available and not have to search out the job again.

Rate and review travel nurse agencies.

On TheGypsyNurse.com, you can easily find, rate, and review travel nurse agencies. Agencies are easy to search on our Agencies and Facilities page. Just use the search bar on the right side. Results will appear as soon as you start typing. Click on the agency or healthcare facility you are looking for. Once on their page, you will find their reviews, or you can leave a review.

Rate and review healthcare facilities.

Much like rating agencies, rating and reviewing healthcare facilities is very simple. You go to our List of Hospital page and search for the hospital you are looking for. Once there, you can read the reviews (if there are any) and leave a review.

Access our Travel Nurse Events Calendar to be notified of industry or agency-sponsored events in your area.

Our event calendar is a great place to find industry events. These are in-person or virtual. There are a wide variety of events posted. Keep checking back as events are added frequently.

Privately direct message with other nurse connections on our platform.

By connecting with other nurses on our website, you can privately message them. Because you must be connected to private messages on TGN.com, you won’t get unwanted messages from strangers.

Easily find convenient and affordable housing near jobs of interest through Furnished Finder.

Finding housing has never been easier! Use our housing page to search for housing in the location of your next assignment. All the listings in that area from Furnished Finder will appear in your search.

Have a travel nursing question? Directly and privately ask a Gypsy Nurse Mentor

If you question travel nursing, you can directly and privately reach out to a Gypsy Nurse Mentor. These can be questions about contracts, experience, advice, or any travel nursing-related question. Go to our Ask a Travel Nurse page, enter your information, and submit. Your message will be answered as soon as possible.

Submit your guest articles via your profile and it may be published

Always wanted to write for The Gypsy Nurse but now sure how to reach out? Use our Submit an Article page to write an article. We will review it and let you know if and/or when we will publish it. This is a great way to get more involved with TGN.

We are constantly working to add resources and member benefits to TGN.com to help travel nurses on their journey. Keep checking the site as new features are being added. Are there any features or benefits you would like to see on TGN.com? Comment them below.

By Medely

September 17, 2020

9236 Views

6 Ways Technology Creates a Better Travel Nursing Experience

Posted on September 17, 2020January 16, 2023 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

Your mobile device might just be the key to getting the most out of your new assignment.

We live in a world where our cars drive themselves and our refrigerators tell us the weather and commute times. Well… they do if you can afford it. Think about it – what are the chances that you’d forget your phone when leaving on a 13 week travel assignment? There’s a better chance you’d forget your toiletries.

Technology is a vital part of healthcare as well. Whether it’s something as cool as a 3D printed cast or something as seemingly simple as a digital staffing platform like Medely, technology is creating better patient outcomes and simplifying our work lives – yes, even those frustrating EHR/EMR systems.

Here are six ways technology can improve your travel nursing experience.

Your agency experience

From the moment you submit your application to a travel assignment until you collect your last paycheck 13+ weeks later, you will be regularly relying on your agency for all kinds of administrative tasks. This makes the agency you choose to book travel assignments through a critical choice in this experience. An agency’s level of tech adoption will impact how you apply, prove your credentials, accept your offer, clock in and out, and get paid. Look for an agency that provides digital tools for each of these aspects but still provides the level of support and interaction you need.

Your exploration

Most of us have at least heard the names Yelp and Travelocity. Knowing how to maximize travel tools makes getting to the new city a breeze and has you living like a local in no time.

Pro-tip: If you fly regularly many travel sites will use a cookie to track you. They may actually show you inflated rates based on your need. Use incognito mode in your browser or a privacy-focused browser like Brave to avoid this.

Once you’re there, make the most of your time. Make sure you don’t spend 12 weeks in a city only to find out the best Thai restaurant is just around the corner. To do that, you need to have the same info the locals have. Using tools like Spotted By Locals, Showaround, and Eat With will have you up to speed in no time. From having a resident show you around to planning meals around non-touristy restaurants, there’s an app to fit your needs.

Your productivity

Productivity apps are nothing new. From complex workflow apps like Jira to simple note-keeping apps like Evernote, everyone has their favorite productivity app. Nurses are no different. Here are a few useful productivity tools for nurses:

Evernote (Android, Apple): Any list of productivity apps without Evernote on it is suspect at best. With the ability to quickly take and organize notes, set voice reminders, and file photos, it’s a must-have app.
Epocrates (Android, Apple): This app that has been alive and kicking since the days of Blackberrys. Use it to quickly find drug safety information, drug interactions, and dosage calculators. The built-in Pill ID function lets you identify medication by shape, color, scoring, imprint codes, and more.
UpToDate (Android, Apple): This app puts reliable, peer-reviewed info within easy reach and is an invaluable resource. Use it to find information for primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal specialties, and general surgery. It also has well as over a hundred medical calculators and thousands of patient education articles.
Medscape (Android, Apple): The latest medical news, sorted by specialty, FDA announcements, and continuing education courses are all found in this app. Not to mention medical calculators and drug information.
MedPage Today (Website): This site specializes in covering breaking medical news and offers several continuing education options and articles.

Your credentials

Life’s uncertain. You could show up on your first day and find out the facility misplaced your credentials. Or maybe you’re in a pandemic and would rather pick up per diem shifts than explore a new city. Making sure you’ve got all of your credentials in one digital location just makes sense. Before leaving on assignment, scan or take a photo of each of your credentials. Give them a clear name, and upload them to a folder on a cloud service like DropBox or Google Drive.

Technology Pro-tip: Don’t own a scanner? (because who owns a scanner in 2020?) Take pictures of documents in a well-lit location, preferably with natural light. Get as close to the document as possible, and make sure it’s in focus. A fuzzy, poorly-lit document pic won’t be very useful!

Your work experience

While you’re in a new city you’ve got access to facilities and doctors you don’t have at home. Each of them may do things a little differently or use technology you don’t have experience with. You’ve got a great opportunity to expand your network and your knowledge. Use your days off to pick up per diem shifts at different facilities. Clock some hours on a different EHR, work with professionals that use different methods, or just figure out what kind of staff you like working with. This is one place where your choice in agency and having your credentials ready matters. Not all agencies offer per diem jobs or allow you to pick them up while on assignment. So choose wisely and be prepared!

Your connection to others

Oh sure, you love Facebook for staying in touch with friends from college or high school. But social networks, when on a travel assignment, can be vital to your mental health. They’re not just for staying in touch with people back home. LinkedIn and Facebook groups for travel nurses or local professionals are a great way to find local networking events. Meetup is also a great way to find events for people who share your interests in a new city.

Do what works for you

Technology can impact all aspects of travel nursing. It helps you maximize your work experience (and pay!), explore new surroundings, stay connected, and ensures everything runs smoothly. Finding what works best for you may take some trial and error, but being ready to try a new app or service will enable you to tailor your travel experience to best fit your lifestyle and needs.

By Cross Country Nurses

September 10, 2020

5089 Views

Turning Crisis Into Innovation

Posted on September 10, 2020September 25, 2020 by Cross Country Nurses

This article was provided by: Cross Country Nurses.

In the midst of any crisis, one of the best ways to cope is to seek out any silver linings in order to remain positive and optimistic for the future. Certainly, the world hasn’t experienced anything quite like the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has undoubtedly brought disruptive changes, fear, and grief to the forefront.

Yet, as the world struggles to further contain the spread of COVID-19, there is an opportunity to learn from the past and look to a brighter future. This is true for healthcare leaders, who can take their learnings and experiences during the pandemic to drive both operational and quality of care improvements.

Technology and innovation have emerged as key areas in which the lessons learned from facing the COVID-19 crisis could help the industry thrive in the future.

Turning crisis into innovation

Due to the pandemic, healthcare leaders have looked to innovative technologies to help improve safer access to care, efficiencies, and speed of care delivery – even from afar. Health-focused tech companies are reporting surges in their business and noting many hospitals are now asking for emerging technologies to implement as soon as possible. Some of these include:

Mainstreaming of Telehealth

For the first time in more than 20 years, government officials, providers, health plans, and employers are recommending telehealth as the first choice for care, as opposed to an alternative – due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Before the pandemic, only 1 in 10 patients in the U.S. used telehealth, according to a J.D. Power survey. Now, health systems and private telehealth companies are seeing a dramatic increase in the use of telehealth – to the tune of digital visits climbing from 750% to 1,000% since the coronavirus became widespread.

Beyond the adoption of telehealth by providers, consumer opinions are changing as well. Almost three-quarters of patients polled for one recent survey said they’d consider using telehealth to be remotely screened for COVID-19 and two-thirds said the pandemic has increased their willingness to try virtual care.

In fact, a recent Cross Country Healthcare survey of healthcare leaders who indicated they were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, 25% of them named “an effective telehealth service offering” as an area where they lacked preparation. And, with a surge in telehealth during the pandemic, many (50%) say they would have engaged more contracts and locums talent to boost their telemedicine capabilities.

These changes could be the turning point in telehealth utilization across the country, making virtual health visits mainstream and an easy alternative for receiving care for low-acuity needs. It could also be instrumental in providing much-needed services and improved access to care in rural communities.

Greater IT Strategic Planning

Strategic planning for enterprise-wide IT projects is a common practice among healthcare leaders. However, as many organizations accelerate their digital services, a greater need for additional long-term planning has emerged. As healthcare entities increase their focus on strategic planning for a post-pandemic environment, they have the opportunity to consider what technologies have worked, what challenges and risks they faced, and most importantly, what opportunities they have to move their organization forward utilizing innovative technologies.

A Move to Virtual Workspace

Many healthcare organizations are reporting up to a 50% increase in the number of remote workers they are supporting – this includes, providing virtual desktop interfaces, connectivity devices, and endpoint security. Operational planning is also needed to ensure enterprise IT systems support their virtual workers by providing a seamless flow of data.

This disruptive shift in technology resources and planning has created both opportunities and risks. While we don’t yet know the extent to which system vulnerabilities will be identified, the ability to support virtual teams on a large scale will rely on new and emerging recruitment and retention efforts.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has seen steady growth over the past two years, however, shelter-in-place orders have expedited that growth. Today, patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 can be closely monitored from afar, without bringing them to crowded hospitals. Further, other patients who require frequent contact with their doctors can maintain their conditions without leaving their homes.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare coverage for RPM services was restricted to patients with one or more chronic conditions. In response to the current crisis, CMS has issued new regulatory policies around RPM – both for the duration of the pandemic and moving forward. Both the short-term and long-term, RPM is available for both acute and/or chronic conditions, providing an opportunity for further care innovations. In addition, CMS has outlined that RPM can be utilized for both new and established patients.

Better Access and Speed of Care Delivery

In communities across the country, fear of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread as fast as the virus itself. Patients are clamoring for advice from their providers who are working at warp speed to keep up with the demand. Many health systems have implemented call centers to help support patients and answer questions, with others are using self-triaging tools such as chatbots to help patients evaluate their symptoms before going to see a doctor.

In some instances, chatbots are equipped with answers to frequently asked questions, assessments related to COVID-19 symptoms, and opportunities to send messages directly to a physician. These innovations provide great hope for the future and the ability to evaluate patients, guide them through the care process, limit wait times, and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.

The Age of Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) has produced tremendous benefits for healthcare providers by generating and analyzing patient, clinician, and health system data. It is already evolving at such a pace that it can now outperform humans on some specific tasks. The data intelligence it produces can help practitioners better predict, prevent, screen, and even diagnose disease.

Moving forward, big data also has the potential to help healthcare facilities and systems better predict key operational trends, such as patient volume, stay durations and care needs so they can better plan for clinical staffing. AI may soon replace the administrative tasks required by nurses, including ordering tests or compiling notes, but will also improve medical image analysis, screenings, and even support safer, higher quality care.

The next wave of innovation

Playing the role of an industry disruptor, technology and innovation have created the ability to build new, peripheral services to better support the healthcare sector. Products such as telemonitoring devices, home messaging services, and patient monitoring tools all have the opportunity to evolve and support patient care in the era of telehealth and AI services. These innovations present a whole new avenue for minimizing costs and improving access to care, during the pandemic and beyond.

We hope that you found this information on turning crisis into innovation helpful. Have you seen any ways your facilities/hospitals are turning this crisis into innovation? Comment them below.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

July 8, 2020

9793 Views

Adopting a Minimalist-ish Lifestyle

Posted on July 8, 2020May 19, 2021 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

This article was provided by Onestaff Medical.

Minimalist Lifestyle

If any lifestyle is a good fit for someone that travels months at a time for work, it’s a minimalist lifestyle. Not only for the obvious reason (being able just to grab the bare necessities and hit the road for your next hot new assignment) but because when you’re traveling as much as we do, you don’t settle in and make habits to collect too often. Well, living a minimalist-ish lifestyle can help us emotionally/ mentally also. It keeps our lives less free of clutter, which results in positive effects on our moods and well-being.

Let’s be frank; moving can be THE WORST, especially if you have too many belongings to lug around. Minimalism has been gaining traction through Netflix (Marie Kondo), Podcasts (Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus), and any and all home improvement magazines, websites and tv shows. We can learn about all of the tips and tricks of adopting a minimalist lifestyle, but when it comes down to it, getting rid of that old vase, you kept from flowers you received six years ago or the pile of books you read once and haven’t thought about since is hard.

Why should you at least think of adopting a minimalist-ish lifestyle?

Financial Freedom and saving that dough
Selling unused items
Lessening your impulse buys
Using the money, you would use for things on experiences
Less clutter = Less Stress
Develop better relationships by filling your time with loved ones rather than things
Easier to move city to city
Less stuff= effortless packing

Have I used it in the last 90 days?

Thinking about getting rid of belongings can stir up a bunch of stress and anxiety. To make it simpler, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus came up with the “90/90 Rule.” It’s very straightforward and a great eye-opener. When deciding to keep an item or not, ask yourself, have I used (said item) in the last 90 days? If the answer is no, ask yourself if you will use (said item) in the next 90 days. If the answer is still no, hopefully, this will help make the decision for you. Now, this does not pertain to family heirlooms or very personal items.

(Probably) the most important aspect of Minimalism is saving that moolah. Besides selling unused items and lessening your impulse buys, adopting some minimalist choices in regards to your finances can make a HUGE difference.

Less stuff = smaller place = lower rent/utilities
Fewer credit cards = easier budgeting
Try to pair down your cards and stick to one card with great benefits like cash back or 0 to low-interest rates.

Go at your own pace

If you aren’t used to keeping things minimal, it’s definitely a change, so don’t fret. Focus on small changes. Take it slow and work at your own pace. Adopting a minimalist-ish lifestyle isn’t an overnight switch and will require some hard decisions. But knowing that those decisions lie in YOUR hands and your hands alone is comforting because only YOU get to choose what stays and what goes. Think of your future, future moves, future cross-country assignments, future experiences, and ultimately do what is best for you! End of the day, your focus should be on finding ways to create your own little sanctuary while decompressing between shifts if you can find peace with a bit of clutter, to each his own.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Jennifer Traub

June 15, 2020

8891 Views

On the Frontlines: A Travel Nurse’s Perspective on the Pandemic

Posted on June 15, 2020May 19, 2021 by Jennifer Traub

My initial thoughts on the pandemic:

When I first heard about coronavirus months ago in January, I thought it was another “headline” the media was blowing way out of proportion. Just like H1N1. Ebola. I thought it was a mild flu that would soon pass, just like all other modern pandemics. Laughed at my friends who were making this a big deal. I swore my dad had become a hypochondriac in his old age.
Even further highlighting my ignorance, I was at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the day they first declared CoVid-19 a pandemic.

It was when I was in line for Thunder Mountain with one of my best friends that I turned around and said to her, “I don’t think we should be here right now.” The next day they closed Disney World. They shutdown sporting events and areas where large amounts of people could congregate. It was then I realized this wasn’t just the flu. This was something more. Something far worse.

We weren’t prepared

An influx of infected people with this novel virus swarmed the emergency rooms of many cities across the world mid-March. We didn’t know quite how deadly this thing was, but there was something we did know. We sure as hell weren’t prepared.

Our new army equipped with no weapons

Nurses and doctors became our new army equipped with no weapons. No masks. No vents. Just direct human contact with the inhalation of this foreign pathogen we knew absolutely nothing about. Many got sick. A few died. Every one of them lived in fear of what they may contract during their shift each day, and even worse, what they may bring home to their families. They were forced into a position they didn’t sign up for, yet a position they did all at the same time.

Unsettling uncertainties

It has been a few months since the initial outbreak of this pandemic, and even though we know so much more than we did, there are still unsettling uncertainties. Is it over, or will a swarm of infected patients overwhelm our healthcare systems once again? How much will more innocent blood have to be shed, until we have definitive answers?

More at ease

I am more at ease over this than I was in March and April, but we are not in the clear year. This has been a huge humbling wake-up call as to what we lack as a healthcare system and how we need to improve society. We became too complacent in the majesty of our country and allowed an enemy, planned or not, to derail us. Whatever the real statistics are and whatever the truth may be, we MUST take this as a learning lesson and become stronger, so that a visible or invisible enemy will never knock us off our feet again.

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 Candice Hubbard

June 13, 2020

8221 Views

Travel Light: How to Stay Fit and Light on the Go

Posted on June 13, 2020May 19, 2021 by Candice Hubbard

As a frequent traveler over the past eight years, whether for personal leisure travel or business travel as a travel nurse, I have found three mainstays that keep me feeling fit and light no matter where life takes me.

Pack healthy snacks

The challenge of eating well while traveling is packing light, health, nutrient-rich snacks. If you’re a frequent flyer and dealing with airline meals and unhealthy airport food this can be a challenge. Even once you’re at your destination, the struggle to find healthy restaurant choices in an unfamiliar city is also a daunting task. The key is to pack smart! As a savvy traveler, it is wise to reserve room in your suitcases for snacks and portable meals. Select foods that stay fresh even when you’re waiting for security lineups and flight delays.

Optimum choices in healthy snacks are what I like to call the pantry protein pack. It’s a trail mix of sorts, that I create from an assortment of nuts, seeds, and sometimes throw in a little dried fruits, such as raisins. These items are nutrient-dense in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep your hunger satisfied, full of energy for extended travel, and boost your immune system to ward off travel bugs. These same snack packing tips are also great for road trip travelers as well, as it prevents those frequent stops at fast-food restaurants and convenience stores in gas stations for the poor nutrition selections they offer.

Hydrate

Can’t stress this enough, adequate hydration is equally, if not more important than packing the healthy snacks. Adequate hydration with water is the key. Try to avoid, hydrating with juices, teas, and sports drinks. Water helps in the transport and absorption of the nutrients taken in from your pantry protein pack, as well as aid in proper circulation, digestion, the creation of saliva, and regulating body temperature.

Other benefits to drinking water include, caloric intake control, energizes muscles, keeps skin supple, and it helps the kidneys perform their duties in keeping the body free of toxins. In order to stay hydrated on the go, pack a refillable water bottle for air travel, since liquids are not allowed at the checkpoint. You can also purchase water after security, however, it can be costly, as airport terminal prices are priced for the convenience. For road, travel pack a cooler bag of bottled water. Other ways to get your daily dose of water is by having it at every mealtime and through consuming fruits and vegetables.

Stay Active

My final mainstay to travel fitness is staying active. Tight spaces, unknown places, don’t have to hinder your workout routine. The following is a list of ways to stay active no matter what city life takes you to in your travels:

Cardio:

Find a local park or walking trail, city guide websites, Google, and your hotel reception office are good ways to help you locate such places. A 30-minute, walk, jog, or run is a great time-saving way to boost cardiovascular conditioning and energy to power through the rest of your day. Also, some hotels offer fitness amenities, such as a small fitness room equipped with at the minimum a treadmill or elliptical machine.

If walking, jogging, running is not your thing, there are options inside and outside your hotel that can be just as beneficial options. Pack a jump rope, they are lightweight, flexi, and easy to drop in any size suitcase or carry-on. Just 30-minutes of jumping rope burns up to 300 calories. Also, a quick online search for local dance studios or dance classes offers great cardio and socialization options, for travelers.

Build strength:

No need to search for a local gym, or suffer through the struggle of visitation fees, short-term membership contracts. Do simple equipment-free resistance training exercises, such as push-ups, tricep dips, sit-ups, planks, squats, lunges, and more, that can be done in your hotel room or even office. For an added boost, pack a resistance band, their light, flexi, and easy to drop in any size suitcase or carry-on.

Stretch:

Flexibility is an important component of any fitness routine. Practicing simple stretches and poses common to fitness modalities such as yoga is a great way to energize the body for a long workday, or even relax the body after a long stressful workday. It also keeps muscles and joints supple and prevents injury. Pack a sticky mat or even pick one up from a local sporting goods store, their pretty inexpensive and stretch in your hotel room, or even scout around online for a local yoga studio. Studios are great from travelers because there are usually no contractual commitments to take classes, plus it gives you social options outside of your work setting while you are in a new city.

All in all, traveling doesn’t have to be an unhealthy experience. People so commonly blame weight gain on travel, because of the inability to find healthy meal options. Use your resources, pack what you need to stay fueled, ask around about fitness options. Nourish your body and take care of it well. Travel can be fun, you don’t have to opt for the unhealthy conveniences offered to you, you can take charge of your health while on the road, because your health matters. Stay Well! ~ Candice

We hope these tips for staying fit and light while traveling helpful. Have you found ways that have helped you stay fit and light while traveling? Please comment them below.

By Barney Whistance

June 5, 2020

8090 Views

What Can Help COVID-19 Frontliners Who Are Exhausted and Overwhelmed?

Posted on June 5, 2020May 19, 2021 by Barney Whistance

The COVID-19 virus has left every working body in shambles and disrupted the flow of life for everyone. People can’t sustain their livelihoods, get out of the house for work or get essentials, and nor do they have any outlets to handle this situation better. However, several medical teams and units are trying to ease the stress and improve the condition for people. But what we can’t forget is that at the end of the day, they are still working in these times of turmoil and are shorthanded.

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers are people who have to keep up with their busy lives under these difficult circumstances. Because they are the only ones qualified for the job and equipped with the knowledge, they are indispensable. They are working closely with governments and authorities to ensure the safety of every resident. And they are doing all this knowing that they are exposing themselves to the possibility of contracting this deadly health disease. Their contribution is heroic, but even they can’t deny the need to step back from this burden and take a sigh of relief.

Luckily for healthcare workers in Florida, they can seize the opportunity to get away from their stressful lives and go for a staycation. The Florida staycation ideas are nothing less than charming, and what’s even better is that you can avail discounts on the offer. Although Florida is a state that has plenty of life in it in the form of beaches and theme parks, unfortunately, most of it is inaccessible at this point. But you can still sign for this wonderful to escape the worries of a life struck by the pandemic.

That was just one of the many ways which you can adopt to get yourself a breather and release all that tension gathered up from working on the frontlines. There are several other options and activities that you can try to get back your presence of mind. These are a few of them that you can easily pick up and start practicing from today.

Focus on Mental Health

The most primary of your concerns should be mental health. Watching tragic incidents and deaths around you or being close to sick patients can wear you out. Instead of letting all this get your head and depress you, try to invest your energies in more positive things.

Taking up a hobby or a course can be too hectic or require some commitment, but some exercises can prove to be helpful with ease. They are great for your mind, they keep you healthy, and you can stay focused and active throughout the day if that’s how you start it.

Besides that, try to watch some positive things instead of listening to the news or dealing with work affairs. That will help relax and make you feel warm and content, even if it’s for a little while.

And above all, rest, and rest plenty. The effects of a good nap might be visible physically, but it heals your body and mind alike. Try to give this time to yourself without worrying about your surroundings and others.

Invest Yourself Elsewhere

If your work is the only thing that’s keeping you functional, it might be a great time to change that for all the healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19 on the front lines. Exercising and watching lively stuff aside, try to invest your energy in places that detach you from work.

Spending time with your family is one of the best ways of doing it. Try to bond with them while cooking, dancing, or taking on any side activities. If you have a hyperactive boy who loves video games, then you can team up with him and learn something new. Or a genius girl who likes to explore her potentials, try lending a hand with that.

You can also plan on some alone time with books or art. They are great distractions and very helpful in feeding your imagination new and exciting stuff. Plus, they can help you discover some new sides to your personality that you didn’t even know existed.

Stay Connected Through the Barriers

Even though we are limited to the boundaries of four residences, it doesn’t mean that we cut ourselves off from everyone. For those who are already active on social media, it isn’t a problem, but those who are not so good with digital connections need to adapt to these changes.

Try and keep in touch with your friends, colleagues, and extended family to have reality checks and keep a foot on the ground. Chats, online video sessions, or even a get-together on brunch over the internet can prove to be very helpful. It may not feel the same, but it’s the next best thing.

Remember that the biggest obstacle during quarantine is your isolation. It’s not only bringing our spirits but also tainting our souls. And the only way of overcoming it is to remember that we are not alone in this crisis. That will help us focus on the fact that it will pass eventually, and maintain a positive attitude.

Summary

These are some of the best ways to help any healthcare workers and medical units to recollect from the workload they face on the frontlines against COVID-19. Try to incorporate them into your daily life and do anything that will help make you feel positive and happy. Remember that you don’t have to save all of humanity, and there are people to cover for you. Value your well-being, so that you can stand up to take the place of another fellow worker tomorrow.

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

May 29, 2020

6499 Views

Travel Nursing, Industry Changes & What You Need to Know

Posted on May 29, 2020May 19, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by TNAA.

Don’t get comfortable yet. As the country shifts into this new phase of the crisis, we must adapt to industry-standard changes and slightly more personal freedoms outside of work. Staying up-to-date with varying state regulations has always been a burden carried by travel nurses. Like the disease itself, our way of life — on and off the unit — changes by the minute. More than ever, it’s crucial that your agency remains vigilant by ensuring they’re protecting their nurses, reacting to market trends, and ensuring they’re available to support their nurses.

Industry Changes & What You Need to Know

Between the influx of crisis assignments and the numerous canceled contracts, it’s safe to say the healthcare industry is trying to find its footing. Many travel nurses find themselves wondering whether the facility will provide adequate PPE, or how state emergency declarations impact licensure. Keeping up with these changes can be overwhelming — hello, news overload — and nurses have enough on their plates. You need your agency to have your back. Check with your recruiter to see how your agency is protecting you during this time.

Credentialing: Your agency should ensure the issuing of your emergency temp license before your start date. Plus, they should have a plan to follow up on permanent license status so you can continue working if/when the state of emergency lifts.
Clinical Support: Your agency should focus on supporting you through the acute portion of this crisis. Do you have a team available to assist with concerns surrounding PPE and mental health resources?

Adapting to the New Job Market

Between limited surgeries and low hospital census, it seems that work is scarce if you’re not an ICU nurse. Yes, we’re talking to you OR, PACU, and even some NICU nurses. It’s a terrible time to start travel nursing because there are no jobs, or that’s what chatter across social media would have you believe. But that’s not the case. Jobs will return. As America adjusts to a new normal, so will hospitals. It’s crucial to prep your file now so that when positions open, you’re ready to be one of the first nurses to submit. Think about it; you can count on seeing an influx in elective surgeries, from knee replacements to trigger finger surgeries. Plus, with summer rolling in and states reopening, there’s sure to be a rise in emergency surgeries from accidents and injuries. Operating rooms will reopen, and when they do, every OR and PACU travel nurse will submit for the same jobs.

Prep Your File: Focus on updating your skills checklist and references to reflect any recent travel experience. Your recruiter is your best ally, armed with market knowledge of what hiring managers want to see from travel nurse profiles.
Remain Flexible: As jobs open, we expect a tidal wave of nurses applying to each job. Increase your chances of landing a job by remaining flexible on location, shift, and any day-off requests.
Stay Available: Travel nursing is always about speed. When your recruiter submits your profile for a job, try to keep your phone available. Look up the area code and should you miss a call, call back as soon as possible.

Hiking, Exploring & Changes to Expect When You’re Off The Clock

While Texas beaches are open, lodging at Arkansas state parks remains reserved for in-state residents only. Confused? You’re not alone, and unfortunately, no one really knows what to expect in the coming days. So, what can you do on your day off? Here are a few tips.

Outdoor Exploring: Before you pack up your gear, check to see what restrictions are in place. State tourism websites, nps.gov, and local government press releases keep updated restriction info listed. Be sure to pack any items you need to remain socially distant and ensure you can practice good hand hygiene.
City Exploring: With social distancing guidelines in place, it can be difficult to get a feel for your new city. Expect some level of overcrowding at those must-see venues, so you may need to get creative. Try to go when they’re not typically busy, or see if you can reserve a more private experience — for instance, booking a private tour for you and your fellow nurses.
Local Exploring: Travel nurses know, there’s a big difference between visiting those must-see attractions and really getting to know the local culture. A great way to do this, while self-isolating or remaining socially distant, is to create a local bucket-list. Ask around and visit local food blogs to find out what you need to experience, from notable take-out dining to a city’s staple local shops. Essentially, those local treasures that will help you remember the area.

Seeking Support

Above all, the COVID-19 pandemic impact highlights a glaring need for travel nurses — real support. Over the years, the industry has shifted as agencies, and travel nurses alike trended toward do-it-yourself technology and minimized communication. As the coronavirus spread, all aspects of travel nursing changed by the minute. From contract cancellations to shifts in housing options, it’s more important than ever to have a team behind you as you navigate these unchartered waters. So, what is support? It’s knowing that you have people in your corner to find you clean, safe housing after hours. Feeling confident that you can communicate with your agency’s payroll team to fix any mistakes. It’s believing that your agency’s focus remains on connecting you to high-paying, quality travel nurse jobs while continuing to protect your interests along the way.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By TaleMed

May 19, 2020

8822 Views

COVID-19 Crisis Pay Rates for In-Demand Positions

Posted on May 19, 2020May 19, 2021 by TaleMed

This article provided by TaleMed.

You only need to turn on the news to know that the COVID-19 pandemic is stressing hospital resources. Nurses are needed across the country ― in urban and rural settings in all states. This is an important time to understand crisis rates when you consider the opportunities available to travel nurses.

As you step up to work a crisis rate job, know that not all travel healthcare companies are equal. Be selective about the travel company you choose to work with. Be sure you understand the policies, including COVID-19 quarantine and cancellation policies.

“We’re talking to a lot of nurses right now about what really matters on an assignment,” said TaleMed Clinical Director Susan Abbott, RN. “These jobs are high paying, but you should fully understand the job you’re going to ― and you should find a travel company you trust to take care of you.”

The Average Pay for HCPs has Doubled

Crisis rates describe a higher-than-normal rate of pay for nurses and are implemented at the hospital’s discretion for specific assignments because a position is in high demand or critical to the hospital’s mission.

Crisis rate positions have skyrocketed since March 1, and the rates are nearly double that of a traditional travel nurse pay rate across the United States. Travel job postings show rates over $3,000 weekly for ER and/or ICU RNs. These specialties, along with Respiratory Therapy, are in high demand.

“A lot of travel companies have the same or very similar jobs and pay rates. So there are opportunities for nurses to join the fight in whatever way they want to serve,” said Steve Williams, Vice President of Recruiting and Sales for TaleMed. “Now is the time to choose your assignment and travel company based on who you trust to have your back throughout the assignment.”

What to Look for in a Travel Company

Choosing the right travel healthcare company in this time can mean the difference between being on your own if something goes wrong or having the full support of your travel company. Be sure to ask these questions when considering a company to travel with:

What is the company’s COVID-19 quarantine policy?
How much detail do they include in their pay package? Do you have a good understanding of the portion of your pay that is per diems and allowances vs. hourly wages?
Does the company have a reputation for honesty and integrity?
Do you have a relationship with your recruiter, and do you have a team backing you up?
Does the company have a Clinical Director to provide you with expert guidance in addressing clinical concerns while on assignment?
What do the company’s reviews say? What do other travelers say about them?
How are they rated by independent travel nurse resources?
Do you have to wait to receive benefits? Do they guarantee your shifts or hours?

You especially want a dedicated partner by your side during these uncertain times. Be sure you have access to transparent and clear policies surrounding your travel company’s responsibilities during this crisis.

We hope that you found these tips for COVID 19 crisis pay rates for high demand positions helpful. Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Please comment them below.

And if you have any questions, the team at TaleMed is always willing to help ― even if you’re not traveling with us now or have never traveled with us before. At TaleMed, our HCPs are part of the family. We believe in you, and we’re going to take care of you. We have the policies and procedures in place to support you.

TaleMed invites you to review our COVID-19 & Crisis Pay Jobs page to see our Action Plan and other COVID-19 resources.

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

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