December 21, 2020

6765 Views

WHO Announces New Exercise Guidelines and Amount People Should Be Getting

Posted on December 21, 2020May 19, 2021 by MedPro Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by: MedPro Healthcare Staffing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new weekly physical activity guidelines to maintain a healthy lifestyle as we approach the new year.

WHO has advised adults to tally 150 minutes, or roughly 2.5 hours, of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, including those with chronic conditions or disabilities. For those aged 64 and over, racking up 150-300 minutes of moderate activity, including 75-150 of vigorous exercise, can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and even early death.

The organization had previously stated it was a necessity to garner 150 minutes of moderate exercise. Or at least 75 minutes of intense exercise each week, but that was recommended for healthy adults.

On the other end of the spectrum, young adults, children, and adolescents should all be getting up to 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise-per-day. These activities should include cardio-based exercises like jogging, biking, and rowing, but also strength-enhancing workouts too.

As COVID-19 continues to surge, it is important for individuals to not only abide by social distancing protocols but also put in the necessary time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Especially those at risk, like people with chronic heart conditions and metabolic or respiratory issues.

Our healthcare professionals work hard enough to help us stay healthy, so finding time to help themselves can sometimes go overlooked. Traveling nurses are always on the go and tend to work long hours. Finding some ‘me’ time isn’t necessarily out of reach. However, this requires some proper planning to fit it into busy schedules. That said, here are a few tips for our travel nurses and allied professionals.

Train Your Mind and Your Body Will Follow

It is important to not only document your progress but to celebrate it as well. You need first to understand the benefits of physical activity and how it can improve your quality of life. As any healthcare industry professional will tell you, physical activity is not only great for one’s physique but great for the mind as well. Next, incorporate exercise into your daily routine and track your time spent, distance covered, and progression. We know that finding time for physical activity is difficult when travel nurses are putting in 12+ hour shifts, but if you can’t find time before- or after a shift, incorporate your movements into your daily routines! Write down your perceived barriers or obstacles and come up with a plan to conquer them. Lastly, note the benefits of your activities, shed any insecurities, and recognize all you have achieved as you progress.

Incorporate Your Peers

We could all use some motivation and encouragement. That said, bring your fellow healthcare professionals into the mix, stay active together, and learn new things. Consider carving out some time during the day for quick 5-10-minute bodyweight routines, like air squats, pushups, sit-ups, and v-ups, to name a few. Taking a break with a coworker to knock out some exercises, scaling a flight of stairs, or taking a brisk walk in the parking lot are a few great ways to keep moving! Sharing activities improve our interactions with our peers and help build friendships. In fact, just two minutes of exercise before critical thinking sessions can enhance and boost the mind.

Consider a Home Gym

Sometimes when people see the phrase, ‘home gym,’ they think this needs to be a $1,000+ job in completely overhauling a room, garage, cellar, etc., but that is not the case. One can carve a section out of a room and incorporate a few kettlebells, free weights, stationary bike, rowing machine, or yoga mat. This allows you to exercise on your time and have a safe space to do it as well. Personal space makes for improved efficiency and shifts your mentality to exercise more of a lifestyle than a perceived obligation.

Plus, you will not have to wait in line to use the equipment! Although some travel nurses are bouncing from location-to-location, it does not mean you do not qualify to ‘own’ a home gym. You can incorporate movements using readily available items, like squats with water bottles or two-liters, using towels to do various stretches in improving flexibility, or even doing some jumping jacks or air squats in an area that will allow for it.

Advance Your Career at MedPro Healthcare Staffing!

Healthcare companies are looking for travel nurses and allied professionals now, more than ever! We are among the top staffing companies in the country. And we offer our Explorers what no other company can, the MedPro Experience! To find out more, APPLY or call us at (800) 866-8108.

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 Furnished Finder

December 17, 2020

6570 Views

Bringing Holiday Cheer to Your Short Term Rental

Posted on December 17, 2020May 19, 2021 by Furnished Finder

As a travel nurse working a holiday contract, it can be hard to make your space feel homey and special during this season. You definitely don’t want to spend a ton of money investing in decorations that you likely cannot take with you, and you may not have a huge circle of friends to celebrate with. However, you can still make the holidays feel special in their own way and bring a little extra cheer into your short term rental over the holiday season.

Involve Your Housemates

If you have roommates, consider organizing a small gift exchange or doing something fun like filling each others’ stockings. Have each person make a small list of stocking stuffers they would enjoy, or even do something simple life gift cards or cozy socks (everyone likes socks, right?). This will bring a little extra cheer to the household and, if you have enough people to do it Secret Santa style, add some extra fun when you are guessing who has each other.

Get Creative with Decorations

For decor, you can check out places like Dollar Tree or similar shops to find cute holiday items that you can donate afterward. The great idea is to set a small budget, say $20, and see what you can create with that amount of money. Even some tinsel and a few holiday candles can go a long way.

Use Perishable Decor

Items like real pine wreaths or garland, homemade potpourri, a poinsettia, or even a small Christmas tree can be used to make your short term rental not only feel festive but smell great as well! You can buy these items to spruce up the place and feel less wasteful knowing they were one-time-use regardless.

Have Your Own Christmas Movie Night

Whether you are renting a room or have an entire space to yourself, take a night and have a cozy night in all to yourself. Grab a cozy drink, bundle up in some Christmas pajamas, and find your Christmas favorites on Netflix or Hulu. Just setting aside time for yourself like this can make the season feel special in its own way.

Arrange a Long-Distance Gift Exchange

This activity is fun because you could do it with several different groups. Travel friends, family back home, or old college friends could all have fun with this idea. Use a website like Elfster to create a Secret Santa gift exchange. Participants can put in their address and wish list, and the website will automatically draw names for everyone. Then, each person has to order the gift online and send it directly to their person! An even more involved idea would be to host a Zoom chat where everyone opens their gifts live and tries to guess who had them.

Embrace New Traditions

Working as a travel nurse during the holidays can be an adjustment, especially in your first year. Try to remember that this likely won’t be forever, and eventually, you will be able to look back on these unique memories and reminisce on this chapter of your life. Even though your holiday cheer might be a different style than usual, you can still have a fabulous holiday in your home away from home.

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

START HERE

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

By Medely

December 11, 2020

5160 Views

Navigating the Holidays as a Travel Nurse

Posted on December 11, 2020May 19, 2021 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

Navigating the Holidays, 2020 Edition

The songwriters tell us this is the most wonderful time of the year. And it can be – but many of us wind up redefining “wonderful” as “stressful.” Travel nurses are no different. Balancing life on the road with seasonal expectations and obligations can make navigating the holidays that much more difficult.

Add in a global pandemic and increased healthcare needs across the board this season… and yeah. Stressful sounds a little more realistic than wonderful.

So what are your options? How will you do all the things this holiday season?

Know your limits.

That rhetorical question we just asked? You can’t. You can’t do all the things – at least not if you want to stay sane and healthy. Step one in navigating the holidays is realizing your limits. Here’s a couple things to keep in mind:

To thine own self be true.

No one will know you better than yourself. So before you start taking random advice from a blog, take some time to rest and reflect to figure out what you really need and want this holiday season. Knowing this should make evaluating your priorities and plotting your holiday plan a little easier.

While you’re resting and reflecting, now is a great time to take stock of your emotional and mental health. It’s been a tough year. And while we have some tips on staying positive, don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or a professional if you need it.

Have healthy, open conversations.

It’s also important to check in with your household and other family and friends to know what they’re expecting or planning this holiday season. This year is bound to look a little different due to the pandemic. Good, open communication will help reset normal expectations or obligations as everyone adjusts to the reality that is 2020.

Okay, so you’ve figured out how you want to celebrate the holidays and what those closest to you are expecting. So what’re your options? Obviously, this list can’t be exhaustive, but what follows are some of the main options for travel pros.

Exploring your holiday options:

Travel somewhere fun.

Whether you have relatively few holiday obligations or your family can travel with you, this is an excellent possibility if you find the right assignment. Do you live in a veritable ice cave and want to go somewhere warm? SoCal is always looking for new travel professionals. Ever wanted to see the tree and go ice skating in Rockefeller Center? Consider an assignment in NYC. Maybe getting away someplace new or exciting is precisely what 2020 calls for. Make sure to check that whatever activities you’re excited about are still happening this year and make a plan to do them safely, but if you’re going to travel for work anyway, make it fun.

Make a difference.

Or maybe fun isn’t what you need this year. You know how crazy the end of the year can be in healthcare. And it’s like that everywhere – especially during a pandemic. Cases are spiking across the country and many places are incredibly short-staffed. Consider finding a hard-hit location where you can truly make a difference in patients’ lives this holiday season. The gift of care you give may turn a traumatic moment into an almost forgettable memory for someone. Not to mention, you’ll be reducing the stress of the facility staff and scheduling personnel. As a healthcare professional you’re likely already wired to want to help, and giving to others is often exactly what our heart needs.

Maximize your earnings.

Those of us with kids or teens in our lives know that their wishlist only gets more expensive. So if avoiding holiday debt (or paying off what you’ve already spent) is a priority, look for travel or local assignments that are paying more this season. Additionally, you can volunteer to pick up the holiday shifts for a better hourly rate. And with lots of facilities needing help, you can also pick up per diem shifts either in your home or travel market in your downtime.

Stay home.

It’s been a long, challenging year for all of us. Maybe navigating the holidays means merely staying home and spending some time with those closest to you (safely, of course). If your finances can swing it – taking a few weeks off to thoroughly soak in the holiday cheer may be the best option for you. Of course if your finances can’t swing it but you’re in a healthy market for per diem shifts, you can stay home and keep working. Just make sure you take time for yourself and the things that are most important to you and your loved ones.

So what’s the right choice?

Your priorities are one of those questions that only you can answer. Navigating the holidays is never easy, especially for someone who spends so much time on the road. Taking time to know what’s truly important to you is key, as well as setting expectations with your family and friends. Whatever you do, please keep yourself, the ones you love, and your patients as safe as possible. You’re in healthcare; you know the drill: Stay in your bubble as much as possible, mask up, and stay distant or outdoors when you can’t.

And from all of us at Medely to you, Happy Holidays!

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 Katie Bugbee

December 8, 2020

8205 Views

How to Handle a Hard Day Without Telling Facebook

Posted on December 8, 2020May 19, 2021 by Katie Bugbee

You argued with a patient’s family. Another patient passed away. Your team isn’t in sync. As a travel nurse on the unit, you are looked down on or mistreated. Paperwork is piling up. Work feels insane right now. Where can you vent?

Well, not on social media.

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok seem like natural places to voice some frustration. You can easily imagine the urge to post an Instagram photo of your chart pile with a funny (yet frustrated) facial expression and get a ton of empathy. But giving in to that urge could put you at serious risk of violating your patients’ privacy and, in turn, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). (Just imagine someone zooming into your photo and being able to make out a patient’s name!)

Don’t get us wrong: we know that social media plays a big role in our lives nowadays. We all have at least one social media channel that we use regularly, and we have a right to share photos of our last vacation or our cute new puppy on those personal accounts. That’s fine! However, as a healthcare professional, it goes without saying that you have to be particularly careful about what you post when the content veers into your work life. The minute you start using social media as a forum to discuss anything regarding your patients or their care (including venting about said patients) or as a way to interact with them for non-work-related reasons, you’re flinging yourself into dangerous HIPAA-violation territory.

You’re probably already well-versed on HIPAA but given how important this topic is (and how relevant it is to your career), it’s worth going through a little high-level refresher.

HIPAA Violations & Social Media

We’ll start with the basics: what is a HIPAA violation? Typically, a HIPAA violation involves the use or disclosure of an individual’s protected health information without their permission. So, what does this look like in the context of social media? We asked Diane Evans, publisher of MyHIPAAGuide.com, to share the most common types of HIPAA violations healthcare professionals commit on social media. They usually involve:

Sharing photos of patients with friends: Sharing patient information of any kind with unauthorized individuals is a direct violation of HIPAA. You just can’t do it. Period. End of story.
Adding patients as friends or liking their posts on social media: By interacting with your patients outside of work, you run the risk of someone drawing a connection between you two and making a guess that that individual sees a particular doctor or goes to a specific healthcare organization. You didn’t mean to, but you could have revealed the patient’s private information to unauthorized people.
Posting images, text, and videos of patients without their consent: Think: testimonials you may get from your patients. Unless they give you their (written) permission to use their likeness or quotes, you absolutely cannot make them public or distribute them in any way.

These types of HIPAA violations can lead to fines, sanctions, and potentially even the revocation of your license to practice. If the breaches are severe enough, you could even face jail time.

4 Stress-Relieving Tips for Nurses That Don’t Involve Social Media

Your job — and the stress it creates — are no laughing matter. You’re an essential worker, and the constant pressure you’re working under can be extreme. But while social media can help you get through a day, the real underlying causes of your stress need to be tackled ASAP. If not, you run the risk of suffering severe consequences, not the least of which are serious health issues, burnout, and potentially putting yourself in a situation that could threaten your career. Here are four stress-management strategies to start implementing today that will help keep you far away from that “Publish” button the next time you feel like venting.

Identify what’s triggering your anxiety.

You’ve been trained to push through stressful situations, but sometimes they can get the best of you. Make note of your feelings when you get anxious or upset and try to name them as they appear: you can say something like, “This friend always makes me feel really anxious” or “Reading the news doesn’t make me feel relaxed at all.” Sometimes, you’ll be able to limit your exposure to these stressors (e.g., a toxic friend, stressful news); other times, you might not be able to do that – particularly if they happen at work. In those instances, you’ll want to develop coping strategies that you can use in the moment to lessen their effect on you (more on this in a bit).

Also, beware of compassion fatigue. If your empathy for those around you is getting to a breaking point, remember that you can always say something like, “I’m sorry, but I can’t hear this right now. I need to focus on my patients without getting too overwhelmed.”

Strengthen your resiliency.

As a nurse, you’re nothing if not resilient. That said, you’ll be better able to handle stressful situations if your physical and emotional health are in good shape. You can do this by:

Making sure you’re getting enough quality sleep.
Maintaining a healthy diet
Hydrating
Exercising regularly
Staying connected with your support systems

Develop coping strategies you can use in the moment.

Here are some simple strategies you can try whenever you start to feel your stress levels rise (or, even better: try coming up with some of your own that you know work for you!):

Try doing some deep-breathing exercises.

These don’t need to be long or involved – play around with the length of your inhales and exhales until you find a cadence that helps slow you down.

Talk to a colleague.

Don’t be afraid to lean on your colleagues for support – you’re all going through similar things so you’re in the best position to help each other through it.

Focus on something positive.

It doesn’t have to be big – it could be as simple as remembering when a coworker thanked you for helping them or knowing that there’s a new episode of your favorite TV show waiting for you when you get home.

Treat yourself with kindness.

Watch out for negative self-talk; when you hear yourself going that route, think: “Would I talk to my best friend this way?” You could also try repeating a comforting or reassuring statement, such as, “I’m doing the best that I can right now.”

Take breaks.

This can be tough, especially if your team’s short-handed or you’re overwhelmed with things to do, but it’s absolutely crucial for your own mental health that you take breaks when and where you can. If you feel like it’s too hard to do, talk to your manager and see if they can help you find a way to build breaks into your schedule.

Talk to your manager(s) or Recruiter

Working toward change is always a great way to tackle the ongoing administrative issues that irritate you. When you do, make sure to communicate your suggestions in a positive and constructive way. Encourage your leadership to be proactive about protecting the staff from issues that might affect their mental health.

We hope you found this article and the information on HIPAA violations and how to avoid them online. As travel nurses, it can be difficult to find a means to vent about bad days. It can also be hard to know where to turn when you are constantly changing hospitals, assignments, or facilities. Do you have any advice for fellow gypsy travel nurses on ways to vent while avoiding HIPAA violations? Comment any tips on avoiding HIPAA violations below.

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

START HERE

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

By AB Staffing Solutions

December 4, 2020

13631 Views

Travel Nurse Gift Ideas

Posted on December 4, 2020May 19, 2021 by AB Staffing Solutions

This article was provided by AB Staffing Solutions.

Travel nurses always put their hearts into their work this year, especially. It’s time to thank them with gifts they can use while on the road, whether they’re in a house, apartment, or tiny home. Many travelers love exploring the outdoors when they’re not working, so we’ve got outdoorsy gifts as well as travel nurse gift ideas for home to keep them cozy through the holiday season.

Adventure Awaits!

No, really, the Adventure Awaits artwork from artisans on Etsy includes a map where your traveler can mark all the places they’ve visited and worked. If they’re near national parks, and there’s a good chance they are, you can also purchase National Parks books and journals available from Amazon.

Other book ideas include 50 States or other state-specific books for where your traveler is spending their Winter Travel Assignment like the Arizona Bucket List Adventure.

If your traveler also loves journaling their adventures, we suggest the Scratch Travel Journal from Uncommon Goods or the Travel junkie journal. Even if they’re more of a homebody, they can write about their experience while on the road. The beauty of taking a journal is that it doesn’t take up too much space, and it can go anywhere.

For the seasoned traveler who may need a luggage upgrade or replacement, we recommend hard case suitcases from Away Travel. High quality, versatility, and a variety of styles and colors make this a perfect gift that won’t be lost at the airport in a sea of black rolling bags! Another option is the eBags laptop bags and backpacks, which are small enough to be a carry-on for flights. Extra pockets make it easy to organize travel essentials and use them when they arrive at their destination.

Let’s not forget the four-in-One adapter pack from Amazon, which includes four plugs in one adapter! You can never have too many charging stations whether your traveler is living alone or with roommates.

Another recommendation, especially for your adventurer is Kauai Waterproof bags which can be used for hiking, camping, boating, and RV-ing.

And finally, so your traveler doesn’t get lost even when out of a service area, we recommend the Gaia app. This app will not only provide GPS and maps while online but also while offline! Download hiking, backpacking, or camping maps, so they know where they’re going, even when the internet and cell service are not available.

Travel Nurse Gift Ideas for Home

Many travelers will find themselves away from home for the holidays. These ideas bring home to them including:

Wayfair’s weighted blankets that help relieve stress and anxiety to ensure healthy rest.
Personalized photo blanket with pictures of family and friends.
And of course, wool socks or fuzzy bathrobe for cold winter nights

Ask your travel nurse what they miss most about home. Maybe they’d like photos of their nieces and nephews or a video chat with friends.

Our travel nurses are busy so when they come home, they like to rest and relax, whatever the size of the space they call home.

Tiny house living – RVs, shared housing, studio apartments

We know there are lots of travelers in RVs, shared housing, and studio apartments. Why not make the best of the small space with these gifts:

Personal home theatre smartphone projector. Leave the television at home and give your traveler this mini projector so they can download and watch movies from anywhere.
Limited space? No problem! This toiletry bag uses minimal space, whether you’re on the road to your destination and/or have limited space at home.
This travel Coffee Maker and a YETI tumbler can be used for hot or cold drinks at home or work.
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have your favorite meals. Experience easier meal prep with an Instapot and cookbook for it.
Essential oil-infused natural wipes from Enfresh to relax you after a long shift or revive you before a long one!

No matter what size space you traveler is living in, they can always use a portable phone charger! Choose from a variety of options from Amazon and other retailers.

We hope we’ve inspired you with our travel nurse gift ideas! Cheers and happy holidays!

For all the travel nurses and medical professionals, we want to THANK YOU for going above and beyond this year. You’ve taken COVID-19 contracts in red zones, work harder than you ever have before, and have handled yourselves with grace. We appreciate you! Treat yourself to an item or experience that has been on your wish list for a long time. You deserve it!

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Gifted Healthcare

December 1, 2020

9222 Views

5 Holiday Gifts Travel Nurses Will Love in 2020

Posted on December 1, 2020November 10, 2023 by Gifted Healthcare

This article was provided by Gifted Healthcare.

The holiday season is almost here, and it’s fair to say that 2020 was a year that travel nurses, the healthcare community, and the world will never forget. The healthcare industry has also changed quite a bit since January.

As we all prepare to gift shop for the RNs in our lives, some of this year’s top gifts for travel nurses will reflect the unprecedented changes that occurred during the Year of the Nurse. But there are also a number of items for nurses that will always be helpful, no matter what.

We’ve created a list of holiday gifts that travel nurses will love this year to help you choose the perfect gift for your RN friend or family member. Read on to learn how to make a healthcare hero smile this holiday season!

Personal N95 Respirator Mask

COVID-19 has changed the travel nursing landscape, making personal protective equipment (PPE) a must. The CDC recommends that nurses wear N95 respirators, and disposable N95 masks are available at hospitals across the country. However, disposable N95 masks can be uncomfortable, causing bruising, irritation, and foggy glasses.

Make sure the RN in your life is safe and comfortable while they’re doing their heroic work!

Underscrubs

Most travel nurses wear scrubs, a sanitary outfit worn by healthcare professionals involved in patient care. Underscrubs are the items of clothing RNs wear underneath, providing them with extra comfort and relief from excessive perspiration or cold weather.

Many companies are now creating lines of underscrubs made of high-performance fabrics, meant to provide male and female nurses with supreme comfort and an extra element of fashion while still maintaining their full range of motion and physicality.

For premium underscrubs, check out FIGS, Jaanuu, MEDICLO, or Amazon.

Insulated Tumbler

Whether they drink coffee, tea, juice, or water, travel RNs need a simple way to bring their drinks with them.

The YETI Rambler is a top choice for an insulated tumbler, but Amazon offers a large variety of great options. Hot or cold, caffeinated or decaf — no matter what your favorite travel RN likes to drink, an insulated tumbler will preserve it and let them take it anywhere.

PhoneSoap Phone Sanitizer

It’s easy to forget that most of our mobile phones are crawling with bacteria. We may wash our hands many times a day, but most people rarely wash their phones.

With new sanitation guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure the travel nurse in your life covering all their bases with PhoneSoap, a phone-sanitizing device that uses UV light to kill bacteria while keeping electronic components unharmed.

According to PhoneSoap, its device can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria in 10 minutes! Not to mention it features a simple design that can function like a sleek, understated accessory.

Luxury Backpack

By definition, travel nurses are on the go. Why not get them a gift that will let them travel in style?

Backpacks are extremely versatile pieces of luggage. They’re perfect for daily trips to and from work, with enough space to pack scrubs, lunch, a laptop, and more.

Companies like Dagne Dover, Vessel, Everlane, Bellroy, and many others offer luxury backpacks that are modern, functional and luxurious but not flashy, making them perfect for everyday use.

We hope this list of gifts for travel nurses help you shop for the heroic RN in your life this holiday season!

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

START HERE

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

By Medely

November 30, 2020

14822 Views

Five Reasons to Pick Up Per Diem Shifts as a Travel Nurse

Posted on November 30, 2020January 16, 2023 by Medely

This article was provided by Medely.

As a travel nurse, you’re well aware of the advantages of travel assignments – as well as the downsides. But travel assignment woes are just one reason you should keep picking up per diem shifts in your back pocket.

Getting setup to book per diem shifts will vary depending on several factors. The facility you’re working at, and your travel agency is at the top of that list. You’ll want to check with both to see if there’s anything you need to know before booking per diem. If your travel agency doesn’t support per diem while on assignment, you may want to consider an agency that does. If your facility doesn’t have extra shifts for you, that’s actually for the best. As you’ll see below, there are good reasons to work extra shifts at a different location.

With that said, let’s jump into our five reasons to pick up per diem shifts as a travel nurse.

Earn extra cash when you need it
Enjoy complete control of your schedule
Expand your knowledge and experience
Evaluate new facilities
Exercise your past skills to keep them sharp

1. Earn extra cash, when you need it

A travel assignment that was canceled mid-flight. A seemingly endless Christmas gift list. Life’s unpredictable, and we all have times we could use a financial infusion. Per diem, nursing is a perfect solution as it typically pays well. Plus, when you’ve made enough to finish that gift list, you can step away for a while.

2. Enjoy complete control of your schedule

There’s a lot of freedom involved in travel nursing, but nothing beats per diem for flexibility. Per diem shifts are the epitome of “Work when you want.” Before you accept a shift, there’s zero commitment on your part. Book shifts when you need them and kick up your feet and relax when you don’t.

3. Expand your knowledge and experience

As a travel professional, you’ve seen how different a job can be at a new facility. Per diem shifts, let you work with different facilities and professionals every shift. This can give you both a broader perspective and knowledge base, as well as grow your network.

4. Evaluate new facilities

Working per diem shifts lets you test drive a new facility before committing to an assignment. Check out the company culture. Sample their caseload and pro-to-patient ratio. See if employees are a good fit for your personality—all without committing to a long-term assignment.

5. Exercise your past skills to keep them sharp

Haven’t worked a specific role in a while and need a refresher? Yup, per diem can help with that too. Developing and honing your skills will always be a benefit. Working per diem shifts enables you to do that in a way that fits your lifestyle and career plans.

Is working per diem shifts as a travel nurse right for you?

These are just a few of the reasons why working per diem shifts makes sense for travel professionals. In fact, every nurse or allied pro likely has a reason or two to work per diem shifts. Again, If you need an agency that supports both, consider checking out Medely. They offer per diem, local assignments, and travel assignments with thousands of facilities from coast-to-coast.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By trustaff

November 27, 2020

5042 Views

Working During the Holidays as a Travel Nurse

Posted on November 27, 2020May 19, 2021 by trustaff

This article was provided by trustaff.

As healthcare professionals, we all know that working during the holidays is just another part of the job. Most nurses are used to spending one or more of the big days at work. Being away from family and friends is always hard, but the 2020 holiday season will be even more challenging.

Regardless of how you’ll be celebrating, here are the top reasons you should take the plunge on a holiday assignment this year. There’s absolutely no better time to be taking a travel assignment than right now!

The new norm: Virtual celebrations

The holiday season is already set to be virtual for most of us. While it’s not what we were hoping for, it’s the new norm for the foreseeable future. For travelers, the bonus of this new virtual world is that you can easily be included in far-away gatherings without as much “FOMO” (fear of missing out). You’ll be attending virtually just like everyone else, so now’s the perfect time to take a winter assignment. When you’re not working, join a Zoom meal with your family or have a virtual happy hour with your friends! Many places are adapting to carry out-only tactics by offering holiday meals to go –treat yourself to a nice meal and for a virtual gathering with family and friends doing the same.

Santa, all I want for Christmas is… $$$!

One of the best parts of working over the holidays is the cash! Right now, rates are already increased due to Covid-19, but if you work this winter, you’ll also bank holiday pay. The light at the end of the tunnel for every nurse working a holiday shift—knowing you have a little extra cash in your pocket. And did we mention the OT?! Working during the holidays not only helps your patients and coworkers, but right now, it can also help you pad your piggy bank to make a stress-free transition into the New Year.

Explore a different destination than you’re used to

When we think holidays, we usually think cold winter wonderland–but not everyone is built for snow. You can easily find a warm destination to avoid the freeze; a Florida or California-beach view on New Year’s sounds pretty nice to us! If you do like the cold winter wonderlands, try the snowcapped mountains of Colorado or Salt Lake City. Right now, your options are truly unlimited. There are so many needs for travelers all over the US, and with a year full of unexpected change, there’s no reason not to broaden your horizons and try somewhere new.

Nurses are in urgent need

Of course, the most important factor right now is that nurses and healthcare professionals are in urgent need all across the country. Patients and local caregivers need your helping hands, and experienced travelers bring an instant boost to the community. You became a nurse to care for others, and right now, the public truly needs your skills and compassion like never before.

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

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

By Titan Medical

November 25, 2020

6708 Views

Travel Nurse Holidays During the Pandemic

Posted on November 25, 2020May 19, 2021 by Titan Medical

This article was provided by Titan Medical Group.

This year, between staying safe and abiding by many mandates varying state-by-state, the holidays might look different for most. Even though there are more restrictions than ever, you can still make the most out of the upcoming holidays this year. Here are a few tips and suggestions to make your 2020 holidays a success.

Shared Playlists

Maybe you are not able to gather with all your family this year, but you’re tied together by special songs that bring back cherished memories. Consider making a playlist on Spotify that can be shared among your family. While not all the individuals in your family may be able to gather, this is a great way to remember and make the most out of those special memories you share together.

Outdoor dining

If you live in warmer states, this one might come easier, but consider planning your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day celebrations outdoors. You could have a couple of designated family members serve up dinner and distance yourselves safely outdoors, and share the special day with those you love.

Plating Dinners

For those who live in both cold, snowy locations or those that live in warmer areas without outdoor spaces, consider setting up various tables and limiting the number of people sitting at each. Dinner plates could be made up in advance and placed on each table, so guests don’t need to get too close to each other and share utensils when plating dinner.

Create a family cookbook

If you’re not able to gather for the holidays this year, consider sharing favorite recipes amongst each other; that way, you can still make all your yearly favorite dishes with your immediate family. This can be done using a shared google doc and inviting all your family members to contribute by sharing their go-to holiday mains and sides!

Design your own Mask

Around the holidays, it is a popular tradition for families to decorate gingerbread houses. What about putting a twist on the decorating this year and having all your family members decorate their own masks and turn it into a decorating competition. This would allow you to have family and friends have fun designing their very own mask, but also make a point to have them wear the mask they create at your holiday functions to stay safe.

Titan Medical is here to help if you or someone you know is on the hunt for their next travel healthcare assignment. Give us a call at 866-332-9600 to talk to a recruiter today to learn more about traveling with Titan Medical Group.

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

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

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Navigating the Holidays, 2020 Edition

Know your limits.

To thine own self be true.

Have healthy, open conversations.

Exploring your holiday options:

Travel somewhere fun.

Make a difference.

Maximize your earnings.

Stay home.

So what’s the right choice?

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

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Well, not on social media.

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Identify what’s triggering your anxiety.

Strengthen your resiliency.

Develop coping strategies you can use in the moment.

Try doing some deep-breathing exercises.

Talk to a colleague.

Focus on something positive.

Treat yourself with kindness.

Take breaks.

Talk to your manager(s) or Recruiter

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