July 5, 2021

14022 Views

The Best Cities for Your Travel Nursing Career in 2021

Posted on July 5, 2021June 15, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Life as a travel nurse is an adventure. Traveling from city to city, experiencing new cultures, gaining skills in your field while making a sustainable income to put toward nursing school debt—the perks are enticing. But, make no mistake, going from a stationary to a nomadic lifestyle can be a major adjustment for those who have lived and worked in one city for the majority of their professional lives. If you’re considering getting into travel nursing, it’s important to consider the best cities for travel nurses in 2021 and whether or not it’s wise to relocate.

If moving is on your horizon, it opens up a variety of questions—is it time to sell your home and buy a new one in a city fit for travel nursing? Or is renting more appropriate? Before you decide to relocate for your travel nursing career, think about some of these things:

Pros of keeping your home

You can rent out your home while you’re away and put extra passive income toward medical debt or other living expenses.
A house of your own can provide a source of stability in a dynamic lifestyle.

Pros of selling your home

With prices of homes on the higher end and interest rates low, you might get an impressive sum for your existing home.
You can use the money from your existing home to put toward a mortgage or rent payment in a more affordable area.

Pros of renting

Renting frees you from many financial obligations related to homeownership.
Lease agreements are less permanent, allowing for more flexibility to relocate and experience many different places and cultures.

Pros of buying a new home

Other cities may be much more affordable for homeowners. Compare an area’s cost of living to the prices of local homes for sale and your new salary to determine affordability.
Your home can be in a more central, practical location.

Know that many agencies offer temporary housing based on the job and location, which could play a major role in deciding the right travel nursing agency to choose and which cities are on your list of new potential homes. While you decide on where to live, think about the perks in some of these cities across the county:

San Jose, CA

With such a dense and diverse population, there is always someone to help and cure, making this city a hotspot for healthcare jobs. Keep in mind; this area is on the higher end of the cost of living scale; however, it also has the highest average base salary for nurses, making it affordable for some. Note that California is one of the fifty states expecting to see a shortage of nurses and the highest demand of travel nurses by 2025, so keep that in mind when considering a career.

Boston, MA

Did you know that Boston is home to the highest metropolitan salaries for RNs in the country? At $98,040 a year, this could be a great metropolitan area to relocate to for big-city lovers. It also has some of the highest numbers of nurses already employed. Boston is amongst the top places to raise a family, the best places for young professionals, and the best cities for outdoor activities in the US, deeming this a great place to consider planting roots.

Honolulu, HI

Shockingly enough, Honolulu tops the list of highest-paying salaries for registered nurses outside of California at just over $106,000 a year and is one of the most sought-after locations for travel nurses. Despite the high cost of living, Hawaii’s appealing geography, the potential for outdoor activities, and active lifestyle make it one of the most attractive places to take a travel nursing career.

Seattle, WA

Compared to cities in states with high costs of living like California, Seattle can be a more affordable place to live with similar lifestyle perks. Travel nurses who have lived and worked here also say that moving here has allowed them to bring home more money at the end of the day compared to other west coast cities and more time to spend with their families. This city is also on the list of best cities to invest in real estate in 2021.

Washington, D.C.

With some of the most esteemed medical facilities in the country, this can be a high-paying location for travel nurses with an average base hourly pay of approximately $40 per hour. D.C. also tops the list of best cities for young professionals, healthiest cities in America, and best cities for outdoor activities. Not to mention it has a plethora of sightseeing and learning opportunities at any museum or monument and plenty of other outdoor and indoor activities.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Are there any cities you think would be ideal for travel nurses this year? 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 Kevin Devoto

July 3, 2021

6979 Views

3 Ways to Minimize Health Risks as a Traveling Nurse

Posted on July 3, 2021March 22, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

With staying healthy at the forefront of everyone’s minds these days, the idea of getting back to normal is equally omnipresent. While this simply can’t happen just yet, staying safe isn’t an all or nothing kind of affair, and you can resume much of your normal life and career as a traveling nurse even under the current circumstances. The caveat to this is that safety precautions need to be a major priority. Here’s what you need to know to minimize health risks as a traveling nurse.

Take Care of Your Body

In all matters of health, your body is a complex machine made of many moving parts. This means that staying healthy is a holistic endeavor, and there are many factors that come into play regarding the strength of your immune system. For example, your diet needs to be a comprehensive one that gives you all of the essential vitamins and nutrients you need. Vitamin C, vitamin D, and even protein are essential for maintaining your immune system. You can use supplements like greens powder to manage your diet more thoroughly, but it’s still important to eat the right foods and get plenty of water. Exercise is also important, as staying in shape is integral for maintaining not only your fitness but also your mental health. Mental health problems can actually have a pretty dramatic effect on your physical health.

Most notably, mental illness can actually weaken your immune system, making physical illness more likely. Getting plenty of sleep is also essential for keeping your body in tip-top shape because sleep is an integral part of maintaining the body. Sleep deprivation can also create mood problems. The takeaway of all of this is that your body, and your mind, need to be taken care of in many ways, and each of these individual factors has a ripple effect that can impact other aspects of your well-being.

Listen to Experts

Social distancing, quarantine, and medical face masks are a point of contention for some, but the simple fact of the matter is that these practices are shown to be the best tools the average person has in the face of potential infection. This means that like it or not, maintaining these practices when and where it’s advised is the right call. Meeting with friends is no excuse to drop your guard, so be sure to keep your hands clean and wear your mask every time you leave the house. In the safety of your home or the home of someone you know has also been safe, you can take it easy to some extent, but that’s only when everyone involved has the health and safety of themselves and those around them in mind.

Keep Up With Current Events

Knowing the current state of things is a crucial means of playing it safe, so be sure to keep an eye on the news as the situation develops. For example, traveling to another area or even another country or continent necessitates having an understanding of the situation in your destination. If things are just as bad or worse there, then you need to increase your attention to detail regarding safety precautions or simply forego the trip entirely if possible.

Even within your own town, the situation can and will change over time, and policies regarding potential safety measures will change with it. If your area has experienced a substantial uptick in cases of infection, you may undergo quarantine in which you can’t afford to take the risk of interacting with others. However, as long as more people are embracing the safety measures in place, the situation can stabilize and even improve, allowing you to return to your normal life to an extent.

Life in the midst of a pandemic is less than ideal, but learning from the tragedies of the past can help to minimize the risks associated with this moment in history. While it can be devastating to self-isolate, leaving the house is inherently risky. These tips will help you remain safe while allowing you to start living your life again.

We hope you found these tips on minimizing health risks as a traveling nurse helpful. Have you found any ways to minimize health risks while travel nursing? 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 SkyBridge Healthcare

June 29, 2021

14893 Views

2021 Summer Sales for Healthcare Professionals

Posted on June 29, 2021November 28, 2023 by SkyBridge Healthcare

This article was provided by SkyBridge Healthcare. For more industry insight, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

June 21^st marked the official start of summer! A time for friends and family to come together and enjoy some time off after a grueling COVID-19-filled winter. This speaks volumes to travel healthcare professionals across the nation who are finally ready for some well-deserved relaxation.

As you start to prepare for travel accommodations like hotels, airfare, and maybe buying a new swimsuit or two, you may start to find your expenses quickly adding up. SkyBridge Healthcare has compiled a list of airlines, hotels, and car rental companies, that are offering awesome deals for travel nurses and other Healthcare Professionals.

Sales, Discounts, and Deals for Healthcare Professionals

Hotel Savings

Choice Hotels – Offering special hotel rates for travel healthcare workers in select cities.

Marriott – Use code “HJH” when booking a Marriott hotel to receive a discount from now until December 2021.

Hyatt – Use code “THANKYOU” now until September to receive discounted rates at all Hyatt Hotels.

Airfare Savings

Although we haven’t listed any specific airlines offering discounts to travel healthcare professionals, we’ve come up with the top websites/apps (For Android or iOS users) to save money on flights.

Skyscanner – Use their website or free app to access the cheapest flights online. Skyscanner aggregates the best flight deals from the internet to provide you with an easy list view to compare prices. Their “Everywhere” feature allows you to view the best deals departing airports nearest you on your selected dates. Talk about convenience! Keep in mind; that you do not purchase tickets directly through Skyscanner. When you’re ready to purchase, you’ll be directed to the airline’s website.

Kiwi – Most search engines try to find you a flight with the same airline but not Kiwi. This unique website (and easy-to-use FREE app) collects the best deals among all airlines. Great for anyone looking to save some money. Their new “Deals” features allow you to see incredibly cheap prices from your preferred airport, depart/arrival dates, and flight type (Direct/Indirect).

Hopper – Hopper (App only) is awesome to utilize if you’re not committed to a particular date range. The calendar view is great to see what days will save you the most money on flights. The cheapest flights will be shown in green, while the most expensive flights will be highlighted in red. You can “watch” flights to be notified of price changes and be informed on whether to wait to book or purchase now.

Car Rental Savings

Below you’ll find a few savings on car rental companies for travel healthcare professionals, but may we offer an alternative? If you’re visiting a city with public transportation, this can be a great way to save money and really experience the city’s culture. You may also want to check out bike rental shops near your vacation destination to save some cash. If you’re choosing the bike option, be sure to check the weather beforehand! The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a massive storm while exploring on wheels.

Hertz – Up to 25% off car rentals for travel nurses and first responders.

Enterprise – Up to 25% off car rentals for travel nurses and first responders.

Budget – Up to 25% off car rentals for travel nurses and first responders.

Saved The Best for Last

Our last word of advice is to plan ahead but stay flexible. Things happen, flights get delayed, excursions don’t turn out the way you plan, and hotel pictures aren’t always what they seem to be. Vacations are a gift that not everyone gets to experience, so make the most out of it and enjoy the unexpected. SkyBridge Healthcare wishes you big savings and big smiles this summer.

We hope you found these discounts and offers for travel nurses and healthcare professionals helpful! If you find any others that we haven’t mentioned, please share them in the comments.

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

June 28, 2021

6312 Views

Summer Sun Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on June 28, 2021June 25, 2021 by Titan Medical

This article was provided by Titan Medical Group.

Whether you’re at the lake, on a boat, or hiking the mountains this summer while having fun in the sun, be sure to keep yourself protected from both the heat and the Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are some safety summer sun tips to help avoid heat exhaustion and sunburns.

-Summer Sun Tips-

1) Water:

Be sure to keep extra bottles of water in your vehicle. Seventy percent of your body is water. It is recommended that you drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to replenish your body, especially in the hot summer months when you’re sweating and doing more outdoor activities to prevent dehydration. Keeping water in your vehicle is a good idea for emergencies in which water might be needed.

2) Attire:

Planning to spend long periods of time in the outdoors? You’ll want to wear a shirt that comfortably covers your shoulders and neck. Dark-colored clothing can provide more protection than loose fabric and lighter colors. You also can’t forget about the pesky bugs that buzz around during those warm and humid summer nights. Just like sunscreen, use insect repellant to avoid irritating bug bites and potential viruses. You can also light citronella candles and/or torches to keep mosquitoes away in your backyard or campsites.

3) Sunscreen:

Using sunscreen on your face is important even on those overcast days when you think you might not need it. Daily use of a moisturizer with SPF is both nourishing, protective, and healthy for your skin. You’ll also want to get a pair of sunglasses that are labeled as blocking UV rays at 100% to protect your vision. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours with an SPF of 30 or more. Reapplying will also be important after swimming or sweating. A suggested tip would be to keep extra sunscreen in your car. That way, you always have some on-hand.

We hope you found these summer sun tips helpful. Do you have any summer sun tips to share with your fellow travel nurses? Comment any summer sun tips you feel others should know below.

Are you currently looking for your next sunny summer travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board.

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

June 26, 2021

14876 Views

Tips For Reducing Housing Costs on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on June 26, 2021November 10, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Hey Gypsies – we all know that several different factors can make a huge difference in a travel nursing assignment’s success. One of the major ones is how you approach housing and housing options. Travel Nurse Housing Costs can be a major financial factor. Most agencies will provide you with a few housing options, and you will need to figure out what’s best for your and your unique situation. Cost is always a factor in the travel nursing housing equation, so we’ve pulled together these 4 tips for reducing housing costs on your next travel nursing assignment.

Opt for a housing stipend

Unless you’re completely new to travel nursing, you may want to consider taking the housing stipend over agency-provided housing strongly. Agencies may choose pricier accommodations for nurses to uphold a quality reputation. But with the flexibility of a housing stipend, you can choose your price point and pocket the difference. This also allows you to set the duration of your stay. Many agencies will match your move-in and move-out dates to the dates of your assignment. With a stipend, you can move-in early or extend your stay if you want to stay longer.

Beyond savings, picking your own housing lets you select which part of town you want to experience and which housing amenities matter most to your lifestyle. You may be able to lower your travel nurse Housing Costs by cutting out conveniences you don’t care about.

Save yourself from the hassle of coordinating a U-Haul rental and moving your needed belongings to each new city. The average travel nurse assignment is 13 weeks, but it can be as short as 4 or 5 weeks. The easiest solution is to rent furnishings and housewares — or find housing with these included.

The price of renting might initially dissuade you, but the potential long-term savings pay off. This option allows you to avoid the risk of damaging any of your valuable furniture or personal possessions. You won’t have to spend time and effort on renting a van and scheduling movers. You also don’t have to worry about your existing items fitting into every space you rent. Every apartment or house you rent has its own available space and room dimensions. Leave that coordination to the professionals and cut your travel nurse housing costs.

Plan to cook your meals at home.

It seems like a small choice to make, but this can have a huge impact over the course of your assignment. Eating out is both expensive and unhealthy in comparison to preparing your meals at home. When dining out, the average meal costs $12.75 in the U.S. That’s more than $1,000 a month!

Plus, cooking food in your own kitchen can make you feel more at home while you’re living in a new place. When you’re choosing housing for your next assignment, make sure it comes with a full-sized kitchen, or at least a kitchenette, with the necessary kitchenware to be your own chef.

Especially with rapid response and crisis assignments, sometimes you need to find housing fast. But travel nurses always need to be aware of sketchy rental situations as, unfortunately, there are some housing scams out there. Stay diligent in vetting every agreement before you sign a lease.
Some common red flags to watch out for include:

Any price that seems too good to be true.
A property manager who communicates with you only via email.
A landlord who doesn’t ask for any background info.
A landlord or property manager who says they’re in another country and wants money wired to them.

The easiest way to avoid these scams is to rely on a trusted temporary housing provider or your agency to find and secure your housing. Work with housing experts who have access to an inventory of trusted, vetted properties. You won’t have to stress or do any of the work to find quality housing that you can trust.

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 Meg and Ty Dewitt

June 23, 2021

13468 Views

RV Living as a Travel Nurse

Posted on June 23, 2021May 20, 2021 by Meg and Ty Dewitt

Imagine not having to worry about packing up your entire life and finding a furnished apartment every three months. This is just one of the many reasons why vans and RVs are growing in popularity with the travel nurse community. Having a home on wheels helps to remove much of the stress associated with traveling so you can enjoy your time off. So what do you need to know if you are considering RV Living?

RV Living: Housing Tips for Travel Nurse

Choosing your rig:

Based on your needs, there are several options for nomadic homes, including busses, vans, RVs, and travel trailers. A great way to determine which is best for you is by trying it out for yourself temporarily. Some companies allow you to rent a van or RV for a few days. This can give you a feel of which option would work for your lifestyle and how much room you may need. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your home on wheels: how many people are in your household? Do you have pets? What are the necessities you can’t live without?

Downsizing:

If you’ve been travel nursing for a while, you’re probably already used to traveling with a lighter load but travel nursing while living in a condensed space requires the belongings you travel with to become even lighter. When deciding what you will fill your home on wheels with, it is important to determine your wants versus needs. Look at your items and ask yourself if it is something you will use frequently or if it will sit in a corner and take up precious space.

Parking accommodations:

When starting a new assignment, you will need to ensure that the location will fit your parking needs. Parking may vary based on the size and type of your home. For example, if you have an RV that requires electrical and water hookups, you will need to make sure there is an RV park near your hospital. If you have a van that runs off solar power, you may choose to seek out free parking in your area. Some free parking options include the hospital you are working at (it is always best to check in with security and ask where to park. Most hospitals are happy to have you stay there), national forests, BLM land, truck stops, street parking in local neighborhoods, chain stores like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabelas (it is always good to call ahead to ask permission first).

Temperature and Climate:

When choosing an assignment location, consider the season that you will be in for the duration of the contract. Research the average high and low temperatures in that area and be compatible with the climate control that you have inside your rig. With extreme temperatures, whether it be 120 degrees in the desert or single digits in the mountains, living conditions can become very uncomfortable without proper planning. One of the perks of travel nursing is having a say when you take your assignments, so be sure to think about this when deciding on your location.

Security:

One downside to living in your vehicle is having all of your valuables in your rig. This can be stressful when working twelve-hour shifts and being away from your vehicle for that long period of time. Taking extra measures to secure your home on wheels can alleviate some of that stress and give you peace of mind when you are away. Some ways to add extra security measures include installing extra locks on the inside of your vehicle, security cameras, keeping valuables out of sight, having a lockbox hidden to store important documents or valuables. One of the most important steps you can take is being aware of your surroundings and if something feels off, listen to your gut. Making the jump into living in a home on wheels while travel nursing can be a beneficial decision in so many different ways. Although this way of life isn’t always for everyone, those who decide to adopt nomadic living usually don’t regret it. If this is something, you find yourself considering but still have some reservations about it, again, seek out one of the vans or RV rental companies and give it a try for a weekend. It’s always best to be confident before pulling the trigger rather than diving in and then realizing maybe this lifestyle isn’t exactly what you had in mind.

We hope you found these tips for RV living helpful. Are you currently or have you used a van or RV for housing during a travel nurse assignment? Do you have any tips for RV living to share? Comment them below.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 22, 2021

7775 Views

What Healthcare Travelers Should Do in a Post-Pandemic Job Market

Posted on June 22, 2021June 22, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

The healthcare job market has seen unexpected fluctuations over the past 1.5 years. A few months ago, we heard that the demand for travel nurses was greater than the supply due to COVID-19. That number significantly decreased in March 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. It then skyrocketed again in June 2021 as a result of life returning to (somewhat) normal. Although it’s not the industry’s typical busy season, hospital schedules are again filling up with elective surgeries and other healthcare needs.

Within this fluctuating market, many healthcare travelers are also seeing a drop in the weekly pay rates offered. While pay has decreased from crisis rates, which hospitals cannot sustain without assistance, many travel nurse agencies are still reporting an average wage higher than pre-pandemic rates. To find the right jobs with the right pay for you, be sure to tap into your agency’s resources.

What to do in a post-pandemic job market

Know Where to Look for In-Demand Specialties

You might not have time to research industry trends, but your recruiter and agency have a real-time pulse on the market. While the number of COVID-19 jobs is dropping, the demand for other specialties is growing exponentially. You have to know where to look.

Elective surgeries and other non-emergency needs on the back burner during the height of COVID-19 are again coming to the forefront. The demand is high for MedSurg, TELE, ER, and ICU specialties, and increased demand for OR nurses is expected later this year. Ask your agency contacts what trends they are seeing in regions you are interested in visiting and find the place where you will be most helpful next.

Make Yourself as Marketable as Possible

Several factors go into your marketability as a travel nurse, the most obvious factor being the information you include on your resume. Your agency’s clinical department should work with you to create a standout travel nurse profile. Ask your clinical director how they can help you secure the right licenses and certifications to be eligible for higher-paying jobs. Consider being a member of national nursing associations and add your COVID-19 experience to make your resume even more impressive.

Your marketability also goes beyond your travel nurse profile. Hiring managers will look for important soft skills, such as flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to resolve conflict. Be sure to mention these soft skills and any examples that you can provide in your job interviews.

Use Your Agency’s Financial Resources to Save Money

Your agency’s financial resources may help you save money and offset some of your costs. See if your agency has travel reimbursement programs, deals, and discount programs, 401k matching, or access to financial advisors through an Employee Assistance Program. All of these can help you save an extra buck.

Keep in mind. There will always be some assignments that pay more and some that pay less. Weigh your options, use your agency’s resources – from getting assistance on your resume to using programs to save money, and make the best decision in your current situation. Just make sure you pick an agency that has your back through it all.

If you are looking for your next travel nurse assignment in the post-pandemic job market? Click here to visit our job board.

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

June 20, 2021

5672 Views

Pandemic Remnants: Secondary Traumatic Stress an Interview with Lesly Kelly, Ph.D., RN, FAAN

Posted on June 20, 2021June 15, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Pandemic Remnants: Secondary Traumatic Stress with Lesly Kelly, PhD, RN, FAAN from Elite Learning Experiences on Vimeo.

Elite Learning recently sat down with Lesly Kelly, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, to discuss the pandemic remnants and the effect it has had on secondary traumatic stress.

In the video, the following questions were answered:

What is the issue of secondary trauma or traumatic stress?
How has it changed with COVID?
What will be some of the challenges our nurses will face after we finally move out of this crisis of COVID and the many years to come?
What hope or optimism do you have for nursing?

Below you will find some information from the video. To find out the answers to all the questions please watch the video above.

Secondary Traumatic Stress:

It is called because you pick it up from being a caregiver. Being a nurse, you can’t avoid secondary traumatic stress. Being proactive and having strategies will help to mitigate it.

How has COVID changed it?

Before, we may not have experienced the traumatic stress as often or rarely experienced it; with COVID, it is happening daily or multiple times a day. COVID accelerated how quickly it is happening.

You can learn more by watching the video above.

More about Elite Learning:

From their beginning in 1999 as a pioneer in continuing education for salon professionals to one that now serves more than 350,000 professionals each year across 24 professions, they’ve stayed true to their mission to help their customers achieve more in their careers.

Today, they offer healthcare professionals, salon professionals, massage therapists, funeral professionals, and many more a wide range of education and professional development courses across a nationally accredited platform.

We hope you found this information informative. For more video content click here. Are you a travel nurse looking for your next assignment? Click here to search our job board.

By Dan Matthews

June 17, 2021

8444 Views

How Travel Nurses Can Adopt Telehealth Accessibility on the Road

Posted on June 17, 2021November 28, 2023 by Dan Matthews

Nursing is a timeless profession, but that doesn’t mean the role is prone to stagnation. If anything, nursing is a field that is constantly changing. Much like the shift in locations you’ll experience as a traveling nurse, the tech you use on the road will change as well. In fact, with the explosive growth of telehealth services in recent years, tech is more important to the job than ever before.

Telehealth is one of the top trends transforming nursing right now. Being accessible enough to take advantage of this service can maximize your potential to work while on the road, but it requires the right understanding and preparation. From insight to equipment, you can increase your telehealth accessibility as a traveling nurse.

The Rise of Telehealth

First, it helps to understand the rise of telehealth and its many applications. While the popularity of this virtual service was limited before the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures revealed the many benefits virtual care can offer patients. As a result, telehealth changes the healthcare industry by increasing affordability, accessibility, and demand across this valuable service.

Telehealth has allowed care providers to turn this crisis into an opportunity to innovate. In turn, patients are getting questions answered without having to travel or risk catching a virus-like COVID-19 as they wait in a clinic lobby. For patients and providers alike, this maximizes accessibility and safety of care, which is why the popularity of virtual care appointments remains strong.

Generational trends show that telehealth is likely here to stay. With 74% of millennials reporting that they prefer virtual to in-person appointments, nurses must be prepared to meet patients on their terms. Because of this increased demand, it’s even more important for traveling nurses to ensure they have the tools available to receive, treat, and monitor patients remotely.

Addressing Telehealth Troubles on the Road

Although there may be an increased demand in telehealth, there are plenty of issues it could present to travel nurses. As the future of telehealth becomes increasingly mobile, travel nurses get to enjoy the luxury of checking up on patients with only a smartphone and reliable cell service on hand.

This luxury, however, is counter-balanced by the fact that travel nurses will have to take extra security precautions, especially if they’re on the road. One way travel nurses can take these precautions in hand is by requesting a smartphone device specifically used for remote-patient care, which should reduce security concerns.

Travel nurses should share the security precautions they’re taking with their patients since it’s one o f the biggest concerns patients usually have with telehealth sessions. On top of educating patients about security measures they’re taking, travel nurses should also explain the benefits of telehealth, such as its convenience, affordability, and effectiveness. One study found that patients with chronic health issues who sought out regular telemedicine sessions experienced fewer complications like fewer hospital admissions and fewer risks in mortality.

Preparing Accessible Telehealth

Despite these troubles, there are plenty of telecommunications platforms, data clouds, and patient portals, making it easier for travel nurses to treat and monitor patients in rural and urban areas. Taking part in virtual services will require consistent access to these tools and the means to use them.

Here is some of the equipment essential for telehealth accessibility on the road:

A strong, reliable internet connection. As a traveling nurse, this item may influence where you stop and stay as you move around to where you’re most needed. Additionally, you may consider mobile WiFi services powered by 5G connectivity.
Quality patient management tools. While many smartphones these days can manage patient data with secure applications, you may want laptops or tablets that are easier to work with. High-resolution cameras can also improve the quality of virtual care.
Access to HIPAA-compliant software. Care facilities employ various telehealth platforms and patient portals. Not all platforms, however, may meet HIPAA standards. Speak with your partnered providers to access telehealth support tools and ensure your software meets HIPAA standards for maintaining patient data privacy.

Alongside your nursing certification, of course, these items can be all you need to maintain access to telehealth services so that you can help patients wherever you are. With the popularity of telehealth these days, embracing the tools and skills needed to meet the demand can help ensure a world of opportunity remains open to you. As a result, you can make even more of a difference while increasing the accessibility of care for your patients.

An Accessible Future

With all the benefits of telehealth services, it’s no wonder that virtual care is expanding into all new services, from mental health counseling to health condition monitoring. If travel nurses take advantage of the luxury of telehealth and follow precautions, they’ll be able to support greater levels of patient safety and improve care outcomes.

Adopting telehealth accessibility on the road may sound difficult, but with something as simple as a solid internet connection — which is increasingly easy to find in the era of 5G — accessible care is in your hands.

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

START HERE

Pros of keeping your home

Pros of selling your home

Pros of renting

Pros of buying a new home

San Jose, CA

Boston, MA

Honolulu, HI

Seattle, WA

Washington, D.C.

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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Hotel Savings

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Saved The Best for Last

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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Griswold Family Guide to Travel Nursing

Saluting the Evolution of Nursing and Centuries of Heroism

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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-Summer Sun Tips-

1) Water:

2) Attire:

3) Sunscreen:

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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Five Ways to Fight SAD this Winter

What Does a Corrections Nurse Do and How Do You Become One?

Leaving the Day Behind: Relaxation Techniques for Nurses

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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Opt for a housing stipend

Plan to cook your meals at home.

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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Ask A Travel Nurse: Travel Nurse Orientation

Things That Every Travel Nurse Should Always Bring With Them

Buying a House as a Travel Nurse

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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RV Living: Housing Tips for Travel Nurse

Choosing your rig:

Downsizing:

Parking accommodations:

Temperature and Climate:

Security:

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Travel Healthcare Jobs