October 4, 2021

8948 Views

Kamana: The Last Profile You’ll Ever Need

Posted on October 4, 2021September 30, 2021 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Triage Healthcare Staffing.

If you haven’t taken the travel plunge yet, you probably aren’t sure what it means to build out your profile. Quite simply, your traveler profile is like a neatly packaged, detailed resume that agencies can use to help you find a job. Every agency you work with requires you to build out a profile with them, and they use it to find a job, and then like magic, a love match happens.

How the Traveler Profile Currently Works

If you’re currently working with multiple agencies (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you probably have quite a few profiles floating around in cyberspace, all that might include some personal info. Since each agency normally uses their own specific profile, this also means that you’ll have to update information over and over when something changes, like a license expiration date or even something as simple as receiving a yearly flu vaccine. Take a second and think about how many profiles you have out there and just how long it can take to update each one when you’re looking for a job. Annoying, right?

Enter the Kamana Profile

Kamana is an encrypted, universal profile that stores your information in one secure location. You can share your universal profile with multiple agencies, so say goodbye to creating and updating multiple profiles that need to be individually updated whenever you have a new piece of info. Update your info once, and your profile can be updated with multiple agencies with one click. Easy peasy.

Also gone are your paper folder and dusty laptop that you haul around from assignment to assignment. Since you access Kamana through a secure web app, you don’t need to text or email sensitive documents to your agency. Send the secured Kamana link and know that your data is safe.

What Info Can Kamana Manage

But what actually goes into a Kamana profile? Like an agency-specific profile, you’ll need to include personal info like your contact details and what you’re looking for in an assignment. Then, you can upload attachments, such as JPGs or PDFs of your license, certifications, or even vaccine records. The next step is to enter your work history, what electronic health record systems you’re experienced in, and even skills checklists.

How the Heck Does Kamana Actually Work?

Once you’ve completed your Kamana profile, you can choose to share your profile within the web app. Only recruiters or agencies that you create a relationship with are able to see your profile. Your profile comes with two versions—a limited view and a complete profile. With the limited view, agencies can only see your name, contact info, and a short summary of your qualifications.

With the full profile view, your receiver can see and download your full profile. In this case, your home address, work history, and reference contact info are available. Kamana recommends that you reserve a full profile share until you’re applying for a specific job with an agency. If you ever decide that you don’t want to work with a particular agency or recruiter anymore, you can also revoke access at any time.

In addition to making it incredibly simple to share your profile, Kamana also keeps track of any expiring licenses or vaccines and sends you a reminder before the expiration, so you are never caught off guard.

What if My Agency Doesn’t Take Kamana?

Over 100 agencies currently use Kamana to help speed up their onboarding process, but what if yours isn’t one of them? You can still send a link to your universal profile, and all the information your recruiter needs is at their fingertips, making your life easier.

Not a Traveler Yet? Kamana is Still for You

If you haven’t dipped your toes in the travel water, you can still take advantage of a Kamana profile. When your Kamana profile is up to date, Kamana can generate a downloadable PDF of your resume, so you don’t need to spend time formatting or updating information if you want to look for a new position. And, of course, Kamana still keeps track of your personal credentialing info and expiration dates, so you’re never unaware when something is about to expire.

To create your Kamana profile and connect with Triage, please visit Triage’s Kamana portal.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse job? Click here to view our job board. Have the job, but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Go Healthcare Staffing

October 1, 2021

7224 Views

When Should I Take Time Off as a Travel Nurse?

Posted on October 1, 2021September 28, 2021 by Go Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

This is a question that is asked over and over. The best time to take time off? There is no best time, BUT as a travel nurse, one must understand they are supplemental staff to the Full-time staff why the whole industry was created due to Full-time staff shortages. But we are in a pandemic, so here are some ideas.

In between contracts or extensions.

This is the best time if you need a week to take a breather and get recharged. Nurses are being asked to work longer, and in more difficult environments, so it is okay to say you need some time for yourself.

Work with your manager for scheduling.

If you feel burnt out or tired, work with them to see if you could get a week where your schedule may allow for a long weekend or a four-day weekend where you would have a Friday and/or a Monday off. Sometimes you just need a few days….

Not holidays but around the holidays.

Meaning supplemental staff is usually asked to work the holidays due to the Full-time staff wanting to take holidays. Hence there is usually a solid bump for that day or bonus. So if you work with your manager, you can schedule sometime around and still get the benefit of higher pay.

Just like any profession, there is never a good time one feels to take a breather.

Just know work will be there. But understand the pandemic will end in time, and rates will come back down, so if there is a time to work and actually work as many hours as you can, now and the near term would be the time and save some money to take a nice relaxing vacation when the pandemic ends!

We hope you found these tips for taking some time to yourself as a travel nurse helpful. Do you have any advice to share with new or even veteran fellow travel nurses about vacations and time off? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for that next assignment? Click here to visit our housing page.

About Go Healthcare:

For every reason you decide to travel, we are there for you. As a Travel Nurse, you have the opportunity to travel anywhere in the country while gaining an enriching experience both professionally and personally. Some reasons you may decide to travel include avoiding “hospital politics” as a staff RN, a chance to see the country, gain clinical experience for your nurse resume, increase your earning potential and connect with friends or family far and nearby working in the same city. We offer our Go RN Travelers exciting travel assignments across the country, competitive pay & benefits, and healthcare insurance from “day one” of your contract.

By CareerStaff Unlimited

September 28, 2021

7087 Views

Leaving the Day Behind: Relaxation Techniques for Nurses

Posted on September 28, 2021September 22, 2021 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.

By Karen Stockdale, MBA, BSN, RN

For most nurses, dealing with high levels of stress on a daily basis becomes the norm. The nature of the job lends itself to stressful situations – from dealing with life and death situations to interacting with people at some of the worst moments of their lives – over long, demanding hours. The rates of nursing burnout are very high, with similarly high rates of mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

Many nurses find themselves re-living the day’s work – mentally rechecking everything to make sure nothing was missed or secretly chastising themselves for not doing more. This mental game is called “ruminating” and can be very damaging. Ruminating prolongs and intensifies stress, leading to depression and impairing your ability to process events. If you find yourself ruminating on the day, step back and find an activity that requires your mental ability in a non-exhaustive way. Puzzle and word games, crafts, visiting friends, sports, or other hobbies can help “reset” your brain and get it out of the loop.

Nurses are often giving people by nature – they entered the profession to help others. This selfless attitude, while admirable, can cause a challenge when it comes to a positive nurse work-life balance. These are the qualities that make great nurses! However, it is also these qualities that make it hard for travel nurses to unwind after work.

As a nurse, how do you unwind, reset, and protect your private time? Let’s take a look at some techniques to reclaim your mental space and coax the stress away.

Five Ways to Unwind

1. Exercise.

Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and takes the tension away. And it doesn’t have to be physically exhausting. A walk, some yoga, some dancing, playing with a child or your dog – all of these are ways to move your body and release some stress. It also helps you sleep better!

2. Keep a Journal.

Focusing your thoughts on exactly how you are feeling can help you express yourself – and leave it on the page. Many find that gratitude journaling is a good technique for emphasizing the greatest things in life. Instead of focusing on stressful parts of the day, it might be helpful to express gratitude for the coworker that brought you lunch or the family member that hugged you. Journaling can help bring the joy back.

3. Spend time with family and friends.

When you don’t feel at your best, it is tempting to be a hermit and skip social events. Don’t do it! Spending time with those you love is a natural stress reliever and gives you a feeling of belonging and connectedness. When nurses talk about work-life balance, this is one component that is crucial to well-being.

4. Laugh.

Sometimes it is hard to find the humor in a situation – but nurses are known for a wicked sense of humor! A twisted sense of humor is a tried-and-true coping mechanism for healthcare workers. Caution – use your humor around people that “get it,” or it could be mistaken as in poor taste. Then laugh until it hurts!

5. Learn to Say NO.

As givers, nurses are sometimes not good at boundaries. This equates to extra shifts, staying late, and helping out coworkers and friends. This often leads to a lack of personal time and self-care and breeds resentment. While it is difficult, learning to say “no” in kind ways such as “I just have too much on my plate right now” or “Thank you for thinking of me, but I need to step away for a while” become easier with practice. Saying “no” gives you control over your stressors and eliminates that overwhelmed feeling.

CareerStaff Unlimited knows how important self-care is to busy nurses, and we support the work-life balance of each individual. Travel nursing opportunities allow nurses to select the assignment and the hours that are right for him/her while seeing new areas of the country and experiencing new cultures. Explore your options through CareerStaff by searching current travel job openings. Then relax and let us handle it!

We hope you found these tips for travel nurses to unwind. Do you have ways that you unwind after a long shift? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to view our housing page.

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 The Gypsy Nurse

September 27, 2021

5208 Views

Caring for a Mesothelioma Patient

Posted on September 27, 2021September 17, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

The transitory nature of being a traveling nurse poses a unique set of challenges when it comes to the long-term care many mesothelioma patients need. Because of this, you may not have been there from diagnosis through the entire process or be able to stay with the same patient to the end. However, it’s still important to understand what they’ve gone through and what the rest of their journey will look like in order to care for them now.

With Mesothelioma Awareness Day being September 26th, let’s take a look at a mesothelioma patient’s journey and explore some ways to best care for them.

What causes mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. This naturally occurring mineral was used in many building and manufacturing materials, as well as homes before the 1980s because of its fire resistance and insulation properties. However, when asbestos fibers are inhaled, they lodge themselves in the lining of the lungs and create scarring and inflammation. This can lead to the formation of tumors. These tumors are ultimately what cause the symptoms that push patients to get diagnosed. However, it can take 10-50 years after exposure for noticeable symptoms to appear, leading to a relatively late-stage diagnosis.

Understanding the diagnosis

A biopsy is the only way to officially confirm that the patient has mesothelioma. This test determines the cell type, stage, and location of the tumor, information that will be used to give a mesothelioma prognosis and build out the treatment plan. There are two cell types, three main locations where the cancer is found, and four stages. A patient’s prognosis will depend on the stage, cell type, and location of the tumor.

Mesothelioma cell types:

Epithelioid is common, making up 70-80% of cases. Epithelial cells exist naturally in the body as tissue that lines internal organs and vessels. When asbestos becomes lodged in them, they can mutate and become cancerous, causing mesothelioma. The average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with epithelial cells is 23.4 months.
Meanwhile, sarcomatoid makes up 10-20% of cases. This cell type metastasizes faster to other organs and is more aggressive. The average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with sarcomatoid cells is six months.

Mesothelioma locations:

Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and makes up 80-90% of cases. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are similar to other respiratory cancers and illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose early.
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen and makes up 15-20% of cases. This type has a more promising life expectancy because of new progress with treatments.
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart and makes up less than 1% of cases. It has a poor prognosis and often patients rely heavily on palliative treatments.
Testicular mesothelioma makes up less than 1% of cases and has a much better prognosis and life expectancy than the other three.

Mesothelioma stages:

Stage one: the tumor is only in the lining of the affected organ.
Stage two: the tumor has spread to the affected organ
Stage three: the tumor has spread past the affected organ to nearby organs and into the chest.
Stage four: the tumor has spread into distant parts of the body, the lymph nodes, and bones.

Your patient’s treatment plan

Because of how rare this form of lung cancer is, patients often get a second opinion or find someone who specializes in mesothelioma before deciding on a treatment plan, there are three primary treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Many patients choose a multi-modal approach that combines two or three of these.

However, it’s important to note that depending on the cell type and stage, the treatments may be actually trying to eradicate the cancer or provide palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Supporting patients through it all

As a nurse, there are two major things to keep at the front of your mind when caring for a patient with mesothelioma.

Prioritize their emotional health. Pain and weight of a prognosis is an exhausting load to bear. Take some time to make a human connection and encourage them.
Include their family. Like with any other illness, a patient’s support system is crucial to the healing process. Help those around your patient to understand the diagnosis and share advice on how they can best support their loved one.

Closing thoughts

Caring for patients with mesothelioma can be draining because of how common a poor prognosis is. However, a nurse can make all the difference in their life by understanding the journey, advocating for them, and supporting them through the hardest parts.

We hope you found this information and tips on caring for a patient with mesothelioma helpful. Have you worked with mesothelioma patients? Do you have any advice or stories you would like to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to view our housing page.

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 Maddie Torres-Gypsy Nurse Correspondent

September 25, 2021

7831 Views

Suicide Prevention Month: Ending the Stigma

Posted on September 25, 2021November 10, 2023 by Maddie Torres-Gypsy Nurse Correspondent

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

With an increase in isolation due to COVID-19 quarantine regulations, people are feeling lonely and disconnected. The pandemic has also caused high levels of uncertainty, causing increased anxiety for everyone, no matter their vulnerability to the virus. These conditions make it particularly critical for people to frequently focus on their mental health. Making authentic connections with others while distanced and wearing a mask, or online via Zoom, is much more challenging.

People are feeling disconnected from themselves as well as other people. This “new normal” brings an onslaught of mental health challenges, particularly for traveling health care providers, who may find themselves in unfamiliar places with fewer connections to stave off loneliness. Despite the circumstances, it is important to emphasize that people do not have to experience these feelings alone.

A person’s feelings and mental health matter.

The month of September is dedicated to National Suicide Awareness and an important reminder that a person’s feelings and mental health matter. Health professionals, allies, survivors, and community members take this time to come together to promote suicide prevention awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health. As of mid-2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that one person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. This staggering statistic is an important reminder that suicide or suicidal thoughts are pervasive.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (nami):

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, and the fourth leading cause of death for people ages 35-54
The overall suicide rate in the United States has increased by 31% since 2001
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
While only half of the individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms

An article published by the Journal of American Medical Association Psychiatry (JAMA) warned that the COVID-19 pandemic may create a “perfect storm” among medical professionals, many of whom are already at an increased risk of death by suicide. Travel nurses on the frontline can be particularly susceptible to thoughts of isolation or depression due to their current work with COVID-19 patients. With long hours, grueling work, and a feeling of displacement that comes with being assigned to an unfamiliar location, it is essential to take time for personal check-ins. Finding the right resources may be individualized and there are a number of tips and tools available.

Silver Lining

A silver lining of virtual connection is the emergence of online forums, community boards and virtual groups where people can come together and share their experiences. Although a sort of unspoken taboo still exists in terms of talking openly about mental health, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Health (nami) are creating a dialogue so people can share their stories and build a sense of community. People around the world are posting photos on various social media platforms to share their journey with mental health or suicide prevention with hash tags such as #SuicidePrevention or #Stigmafree. This public series has now surpassed 1.5 million posts on Instagram and is therefore available for anyone to look at. Some have found the sheer act of sharing these posts liberating and freeing.

However, if the act of sharing seems too public, there are other resources and tools available for those who struggle. Or for those who may know someone who is struggling. More specifically for healthcare workers, the American Nurses Association (ANA) is a great resource. There is an entire page dedicated to mental health tips designed specifically for nurses. Which includes important links to support groups and wellness initiatives. Even quick tips for relieving stress either at home or at work.

Some of the tips from the ANA webpage include:

While at work, take back the act of handwashing as moments of self-care. Recite a meditation or affirmation, sing a song, or pray
Take a lap around the department for 1 minute while focusing on breathing. Breath in for 4 counts, holding for 7, and out for 8
At home, spend time outdoors safely by going for a short walk
Write down 3 people or things that you are grateful for every day

The significance of this information does not expire once the month of September is over. Utilizing these mental health resources can play an integral role in relieving anxiety, depression or other emotions that can lead to suicide. Healthcare workers on the frontline are working tirelessly everyday to fight COVID-19.

With depleted energy at the end of the day, it is absolutely pertinent that nurses integrate effective self-care regimens into their daily routine. It doesn’t have to be a time-consuming routine, but even a couple of minutes makes an immense difference. Suicide plagues thousands of families every year. By raising awareness and facilitating open conversations we can begin to end the stigma surrounding mental health.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Other important mental health resources:

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
The National Alliance for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Online Support Group

Sources:

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/09-09-2019-suicide-one-person-dies-every-40-seconds

https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2764584

By Kevin Devoto

September 23, 2021

4499 Views

Maintaining a Beauty Routine as a Travel Nurse

Posted on September 23, 2021September 13, 2021 by Kevin Devoto

Travel nursing is a tough but important job. Moving from hospital to hospital to work in places that need your care is extremely important, but it makes an impact. The demands of nursing anywhere are huge, but it can be especially hard to get into a routine when you’re living in a new city and only temporarily. It’s important to put yourself first, especially when your job is nursing others. That’s the only way to stay motivated to work such a hard job over extended lengths of time. Here are some tips for maintaining your beauty routine when working as a travel nurse.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

First and foremost, if your skin starts looking sallow and you’ve got bags under your eyes, think about how much water you’ve been drinking lately. It can be tough to keep up with water intake when you’re working long shifts in the hospital. It’s easy to rely on coffee and energy drinks to sustain you. Hydration is important, though. Drinking a good amount of water can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. Without enough water, wrinkles can appear more prominently. Drinking enough water also improves the elasticity of your skin and can make it appear plumper. Try improving your water intake by about two liters a day if your skin has been looking sallow.

Prioritize What Your Skin Needs the Most

Face it. You don’t have a lot of time for an extended beauty routine. Between night shifts and long days in emergency and intensive care units, you’re not really thinking about beauty. Even so, there are some small things you can do to make big improvements. Think about what your body really needs, and invest in those things. If you’re dealing with sensitivity, invest in the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If you’re struggling with bags under your eyes, try a collagen-fueled eye cream. Focusing on a couple of small things will make an impact, even when you don’t have a lot of time in your day.

Shop Organic and Natural Products

If you’re making tough decisions about which areas of your beauty routine you should be focusing on, then it’s important to buy the right brand of product too. Consider gravitating towards natural and organic products to avoid harmful toxins. Toxins can lead to increased signs of aging and duller skin over time. Another benefit to natural products, they aren’t tested on animals, and they aren’t as harmful to the environment. You work as a nurse, and that means you care. Lessen your impact on the environment by buying natural.

Practice Selfcare

Even after you’ve bought the right products, it can be tough to find time to use them. Think through your day and find small moments where you can take a break. Is there a moment when you arrive at work, before you even get out of the car, that you can use lip balm or moisturizer? Can you keep some toiletries in the locker room at the hospital so you can refresh halfway through the shift? When you’re thinking about stealing a few moments for yourself during your workday, also think about dedicating some time for you when you’ve got a day off. Spend an hour focused on yourself on days off. Book a spa treatment, get a pedicure or go in for a massage. These moments will leave you refreshed and recharged to take on the next long, overnight shift on your schedule.

Add Some Order to Your Routine

You’ve taken the time to purchase products, but you have no idea in what order they go on your face. Order is important. After all, what was the point of finding that extra time if you’re going to use the products wrong and don’t get results? Here’s a general order for a facial care routine. First, wash your face. Then, use toner. Follow this with serum and eye cream. Spot treatments come next. Follow these with moisturizer and retinol. Finally, you’re on to sunscreen and makeup. This general order can be followed for body care and hair care as well, though products may vary somewhat.

The Bottom Line

Take the time to develop a beauty routine because someone who works so hard should take a moment for themselves as well.

We hope you found these tips for maintaining a beauty routine while on assignment helpful. Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to view our housing page.

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 The Gypsy Nurse

September 22, 2021

10995 Views

Travel Nurses: Everything You Need To Know About Moving

Posted on September 22, 2021July 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Whether you’re considering a career in travel nursing or you’re getting ready to start your journey as a travel nurse, there are many things to consider when choosing this career. Moving is difficult for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for travel nurses who are consistently on the go, especially when you’re on shorter assignments. Managing travel expenses, housing arrangements, and preparation for your new career require quite a bit of planning. To make the process easier, consider these four tips:

Decide Whether You Should Rent or Buy a House

Deciding on housing arrangements as a traveling nurse requires a lot of research, as well as an overall understanding of your travel assignment. First, you must communicate with your recruiter regarding the length of the assignment. Knowing how long your travel assignment is can help you decide on whether you should rent or buy a home.

If your assignment is short, it’s better to consider renting a small place that won’t cost as much as the expenses associated with homeownership. However, if your assignment is longer than two years, in the same state and you plan to live there long term, it may be good to consider buying a smaller home. If so, it’s important to keep in mind your budget and the cost of living wherever it is you may be stationed. Organizing your finances ahead of time, such as the required credit score for a home loan, state taxes, and so on, can help in your decision-making process.

While renting has its advantages, buying a home can be beneficial when you need housing arrangements between your travel assignments. If neither renting or buying intrigues you, consider taking advantage of your agency and its benefits. Most staffing agencies provide travel nurses with a housing stipend or lodging options that can be cost-friendly. These stipends or lodging options may cover or include hotels, airbnbs, or facilities dedicated specifically to traveling employees.

Budget for All Expenses

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the averag e salary for a registered nurse as of 2018 was $71,730 per year. However, this may differ for travel nurses because of the demand of the job. Travel nurses, in general, expect a higher salary than stationary nurses. Despite the increased salary, travel nurses should budget accordingly based on the average salary and additional expenses they will face while traveling to different states or countries.

It’s crucial to outline the various costs you will incur, including travel expenses, housing, transportation, utility bills, and groceries. You should create a money plan that can help you manage your daily expenses to avoid the stress of being in debt while working a demanding job. While preparing to move to your first travel assignment, make sure to review your contract with your agency and allocate all benefits they provide to your budget. This will help you prioritize what you have to pay out-of-pocket.

Consider having an emergency fund that includes at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This step is beneficial because you may have unexpected costs like medical bills, a car accident, or a sudden move that isn’t supported by your travel agency. Lastly, it’s essential to choose the best travel nursing agency that suits your career and financial needs in this journey.

Pack Light

When preparing for a travel nursing assignment, packing can be one of the most difficult steps, but it doesn’t have to be. To have a smooth relocation, travel nurses should consider packing light and prioritize the essentials. Also, familiarize yourself with the weather trends in your new city so you don’t overpack by bringing clothes you won’t need. Using compression bags can help you fit more items that you will need, like electronics or other items, to make you feel at home.

You will probably be flying to your assigned destination, so consider avoiding toiletries above 3.4 ounces if you will only be bringing a carry-on bag. Instead, wait until you arrive to buy the essential toiletries and home goods. For home furnishings, check out local thrift stores to save money while making your space feel homey. Since we live in a virtual world, consider digitizing important documents to minimize the paperwork you need to carry for your travel nursing assignment. You may need to pack your travel nurse license, but any other documents should be scanned and saved in a safe place.

Remember, this experience will be like no other.

So, enjoy your journey. It’s an amazing opportunity to travel around the country, so take advantage of it and explore the different cultures and traditions you’ll encounter. Take pride in the fact that you are doing something that many are not able to. Good luck!

We hope you found these tips for moving for travel nurses helpful. Have you moved as a travel nurse and have tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

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

By Dan Matthews

September 21, 2021

6349 Views

What Travel Nurse Practitioners Bring to Rural Areas

Posted on September 21, 2021September 1, 2021 by Dan Matthews

Travel nursing offers unique benefits and experiences that you don’t always get in a traditional hospital or private practice setting. When you’re able to travel to rural areas, especially, you might be surprised to see an entirely different way of life and people that will benefit from your skills, expertise, and care.

If you’re an RN or Nurse Practitioner looking for something different, you’re not alone. There are approximately 25,000 traveling nurses in the U.S., and between 2018-2019, the profession grew by 44%.

Working in rural areas might be different from what you’re used to, but it can benefit you just as much as the patients you’re treating.

Let’s look at what travel Nurse Practitioners bring to rural areas, and how you can help where it’s needed most.

You’ll Cover Physician Shortages

There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic caused an upheaval in the healthcare field. According to CNBC, the U.S. could see a shortage of over 120,000 primary care physicians over the next 10 years. As a nurse practitioner, you may have full practice authority depending on your location.

There is already a high demand for Nurse Practitioners, but if you’re able to travel to rural areas, you’ll be able to cover physician shortages where they’re truly needed. People in bigger cities and more densely populated areas likely don’t have to worry about any kind of shortage. But, those in rural communities might be wondering what they’ll do without a doctor within 100 miles. In addition to a physician shortage, rural hospitals are struggling. Over 100 have shut down since 2010.

When you travel to a rural community, you’ll be able to breathe some life back into an area’s healthcare industry, giving them what they’ve needed for so long.

You’re Equipped to Deal With Trauma

In the midst of this pandemic, many people in rural communities didn’t have access to the help they may have needed. Supply chain issues could have made it hard to get food, medication, and household necessities. There might not be a therapist around for miles. Or, the nearest hospital might be booked.

If you’re a trained NP, you have the skills and experience to understand trauma-informed care. It’s the process of assuming whoever you are treating has experienced trauma and treating them appropriately. Trauma can cause things like:

Sleep disorders
Depression
Heart disease
Lung disease
Diabetes

Practicing trauma-informed care will make it easier to diagnose a patient by linking the two. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to recognize the connection. You can treat the patient’s physical issues while offering them a referral to a trusted mental health specialist.

You Can Make a Difference

Travel nursing is a mostly autonomous job, but that doesn’t mean it’s not rewarding. Quite the opposite, actually.

As a travel NP, you’ll meet people from all walks of life. You’ll also be able to get to know them on a first-name basis, so you can immerse yourself in their needs and treatment. Now with different COVID variants spreading across the globe, traveling Practitioners can be a source of comfort to those in rural areas who might be afraid they won’t be able to get medical treatment.

The difference between nurse practitioners and traditional physicians often is about bedside manner. That isn’t to say physicians are cold. But, Nurse Practitioners are still nurses at heart, and your caring nature and understanding of a patient’s needs will go a long way.

At the end of the day, traveling to rural areas to work can end up opening your eyes to the things the country really needs. You can take comfort in knowing you’re making a difference with both the physical and mental health of those trusting in you.

We hope you found this information on how Nurse Practitioners can help in Rural areas helpful. Are you a nurse practioner looking for your next position? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing? Click here to view our housing page.

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 LRS Healthcare

September 20, 2021

7117 Views

6 Ways to Show Your Appreciation to Travel Healthcare Workers

Posted on September 20, 2021September 20, 2021 by LRS Healthcare

This article was provided by LRS Healthcare.

Our appreciation goes out to all travel healthcare workers who are still helping fight the battle against COVID-19 every day. As we all continue to make sacrifices, we know many healthcare workers are still on the frontlines of this pandemic, working day and night while sacrificing their own health to care for others.

Travel healthcare workers are experiencing burnout and mental fatigue, and we thank them for their dedication and hard work. So, if you’re looking for a way to show some appreciation to a loved one, a friend, or a fellow travel healthcare worker who has been on the frontlines for the past year, here are some examples!

Write a Handwritten Thank You Note

After a long, exhausting day at work, a simple, heartfelt thank-you note can brighten someone’s spirits. Let them know you’re thinking about them and appreciate their work and sacrifices. Expression of gratitude can lift their morale on their travel assignment when away from home.

Send Goodies from Afar

Consider the small gestures that can bring a smile to a travel healthcare worker’s face. Getting them a coffee or a few self-care products can help them relax and unwind at home. These hand-made kits from Etsy are perfectly packed to help a healthcare traveler relax and unwind while they’re on an assignment:

Call/ Facetime to Show Them You Care

Since traveling medical workers don’t have the option to work from home, connecting virtually can offer a sense of familiarity and comfort when exploring a new city and job. Video technology allows family and friends to reconnect during these uncertain times, strengthening friendships and providing support. So, when you’re unable to show your gratitude in person, pick up the phone, schedule a Zoom or Google Hangouts, and don’t forget to turn on your camera.

Let Flowers Do the Talking

Coordinate a flower delivery with a local flower shop. Not only are you supporting a small business, but the act of the thoughtful act can brighten up someone’s frontline-workers home and enhance their mood. The positive effects of flowers can last a long time. Fun Tip: For a longer-lasting bouquet, cut the stems one to two inches shorter to improve water absorption!

Online connections have become more important as we keep our physical distance. Thanking frontline workers through social media posts is a great way to give recognition publicly. You can mention individuals or send broad messages using #InThisTogether, #COVIDHeroes, or #MyLRSHealthcareHero.

Even Restaurants are Doing Their Part

Companies are still showing gratitude and want to make sure travel healthcare workers are treated well, even with COVID-19 still troubling the country.

“Everywhere Travel Healthcare Workers Can Get Free Food Right Now”

Now more than ever, it’s important to show our travel healthcare workers that we appreciate all they do! This is just a shortlist of ways to show your gratitude from afar. Share this blog with your favorite way someone has shown you gratitude for being a frontline worker over the past year?

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

START HERE

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

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

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

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