January 11, 2021

45363 Views

How to Market Your Rental to Travel Nurses

Posted on January 11, 2021April 29, 2024 by Furnished Finder

Whether you are a travel nurse yourself and looking to offset some of the costs of maintaining a tax home or a landlord trying to reach travel nurses in need of short-term housing, it can be hard to know how to reach your ideal client.

Even if you are a part of the travel nurse community, finding someone who is going to be in the right place at the right time is difficult enough. Then to find a new tenant when that first one leaves–it can get to be very frustrating.

At Furnished Finder, we specialize in matching landlords who prefer short-term tenants with travel nurses who are in need of what they have to offer. Here are a few ways we suggest marketing your short-term rental to travel nurses:

List your place on a platform like Furnished Finder.

The advantage of listing your property on a site specializing in short-term rentals is you will have people coming directly to you asking to rent your space. You invest a little bit of time and money upfront and, ideally, will not have to do much work once you get a renter or two in and receive good reviews.

Try Travel Nurse Housing Facebook groups.

Facebook groups are a little more hit or miss. But they can get your rental out fairly quickly in front of thousands of people. Our two favorite Facebook groups are the Gypsy Nurse Housing Group and the Furnished Finder Housing Group. Here, you can post what you have available and hope to connect with a traveler in need. The main downside is that you will need to re-post regularly if you need to fill the vacancy. Older posts will become less visible per the Facebook algorithm.

Reach out to your recruiter.

If you are a travel nurse yourself, let your recruiter(s) know that you are opening up a rental space for other travelers. Give them the basics about your rental. Including the price. Invite them to share it with travelers or other recruiters who might be able to spread the word even more. Recruiters have a lot of connections in the industry, so they might be able to find a match for you.

Consider putting up a notice at a local hospital.

If you have connections with a unit or manager at home, ask if you could be allowed to post a paper notice about your space. This could attract some last-minute travel nurses who are still looking for housing. Also, the manager may be able to recommend housing in interviews, which could draw in potential renters.

Make sure your renters are leaving reviews.

As a travel nurse landlord, you need good references just as much as a tenant does. Be sure to ask all of your current or previous tenants if they would be willing to give you a good recommendation to future tenants. This could be as simple as potential tenants sending them a quick email. If you are listed on a professional platform, don’t be afraid to gently remind them to leave a review when they move out.

The travel nurse housing market can be a lucrative place to earn passive income. But it may be a little intimidating to get started. By knowing how to market your rental effectively, you can feel more confident that you will be successful in this venture. For more tips on becoming a travel nurse landlord, be sure to check out this E-Book.

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!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Bethany Manas

January 9, 2021

28315 Views

Traveling with Cats: Tips from a Travel Nurse

Posted on January 9, 2021May 14, 2024 by Bethany Manas

Being the proud mother of cats, I have learned that we’re not really all that different.

I love taking long, luxurious naps, I don’t know when to stop eating, and I hate any changes to my environment. My cats were just as surprised as me when I decided to become a travel nurse. Packing up and moving to a new city, new job, and new apartment every 3 months forced all of us out of our comfort zone. However, after 4 years and about 8 different addresses, my husband and I have become experts at traveling with cats and all! It’s important to keep in mind that every situation will be different, but this is how a typical move looks for us.

To start:

You have to prepare your cats for the trip ahead. We start by pulling the cages out about a week before we plan to move. We open up the doors, put their cat beds inside, and lay fresh pee pads down so that they can get acclimated to the smell. If they don’t have cat beds, place a towel or old t-shirt inside so the cage will smell familiar to them.

It’s important to get a cage big enough that your cat can stand up and turn around easily. For our cats, we use smaller dog cages. We make sure that they have plenty of room to spare. Unfortunately, we have one cat who doesn’t get along with the others. The cage she goes in has a divider to keep her separated from her cage mate. The last thing you want is a catfight in the backseat when you’re driving down the highway.

A few days before we leave, we map out our trip and plan hotel stays. We try not to exceed 8-10 hours of travel time per day and book pet-friendly hotels along the way.

Travel Day

On travel day, we take away their food and water about 4-6 hours before we leave. That way, they don’t have full bellies and bladders on the trip. The cats are the very last thing we pack. Once all of our belongings are loaded up, and it’s time to hit the road, we turn the car on and crank up the A/C. You don’t want your cats to overheat at any point on the trip. We wrestle them into their respective cages and put them in the car, making sure to buckle the cages into the seat.

No unnecessary stops

Unfortunately, we don’t make it a scenic trip. We don’t make any unnecessary stops to sightsee or sit down and eat. We stopped for gas and fast food to eat in the car only. The first time we traveled, we put mini litter boxes in their cages with them. All that did was get litter kicked all over the car. They never went to the bathroom in it, so now we just use pee pads. If they had an accident, we pulled the pad out and replaced it at the next gas stop.

However, NEVER open the cage door with the car door open. We positioned the cage doors so we could open them with the car doors shut. That way, if the cat slips out while you’re trying to get the pee pad, he’s just stuck in the car and can’t run away.

At the hotel

When we get to a hotel, we check in and get the cats into the room right away. We leave them in their cages while we set up a litter box, food, and water. Then we let them out, order some pizza, and relax for the night.

Arriving at our destination

When we arrive at our destination, we set them up similarly to arriving at the hotels. We check to make sure there are no open doors, windows, or cracks that they can escape through. And we typically lock them in a bathroom or bedroom with a litter box, food, and water while we move everything in. Remember, just like you. It will take them some time to get acclimated to their new home. Be patient with them. Let them explore and come out of their shell at their own pace.

Tips for traveling with cats:

•Ask your vet about any suggestions they may have for your cat’s specific personality.

•It’s okay to play music in the car, but don’t play it too loud.

•If you want to use a litter box in their cage, use a 9×13 disposable cake pan.

•If your cat starts to pant, that’s usually a sign of either stress, overheating, or both. Turn up the A/C and don’t add any unnecessary stress until he calms himself down.

We hope that these tips are helpful the next time you are traveling with your cats. If you would like more tips for traveling with cats or pets in general, these articles offer great tips!

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!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Amber Pickler

January 7, 2021

16784 Views

Frequently Asked Friday: Top Apps for Tracking Hours

Posted on January 7, 2021January 16, 2023 by Amber Pickler

One of the top posts we see in The Gypsy Nurse Facebook group is: What app do you use to track your hours? Keeping track of your hours and calculating pay can be difficult at times. So, we have put together the top 5 apps from the comments on the posts. You can find them below!

Top 5 Apps for Tracking Hours

HourTracker

Frequently Asked Friday: Top Apps for Tracking Hours

Not only does HourTracker track your hours and calculate your pay, but it also reminds you to clock in, organizes your jobs and job entries with tags, de-clutters using filters, and much more!

Work Log

Only available on Android devices

Work Log helps keep track of your shifts and calculate the number of hours worked. It also tracks your wages paid over your pay period.

NurseGrid App

NurseGrid Mobile is designed by nurses for nurses. Because of this it offers things that other hour tracking apps.

Timesheet App

Only available Apple devices

Timesheet offers you the ability to track your hours and expenses easily. It has many features and is easy to use.

ShiftLife App

ShiftLife has many benefits that are listed above, including track hours and calculating pay. You can find some more benefits on their webpage!

We hope that these 5 apps help make your life as a travel nurse easier! There are other apps out there and if you have found one that works well for you that we didn’t list here, post it in the comments below! If you are looking for other great apps for travel nurses, read: The Top Six Apps Every Travel Nurse Should Have.

Also! Be on the lookout for next week’s Frequently Asked Friday article which will feature some top comments about where to get insurance as a travel nurse!

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Josh Lees

January 6, 2021

5353 Views

5 Ways to Improve Lack of Motivation and Depression

Posted on January 6, 2021January 16, 2023 by Josh Lees

Depression is a very devastating mental disorder and takes a severe toll on a person’s life. Depression is a word that is thrown around inconsequently these days. People use it to describe every other episode of negative emotions, but in reality, depression is much worse than sadness.

Depression is also accompanied by a severe lack of self-esteem, hopelessness, lack of motivation, and an overall loss of interest in everything. Depression is also quite a common disorder; according to a report from 2016, it is estimated that 16.2 million adults in the US have at least one depressive episode in any given year.

Depression can demotivate you to the extent that you don’t even want to put any effort into your treatment; therefore, here are some ways which can increase your motivation and support your treatment. So, read on to learn more.

Ways to Improve Lack of Motivation and Depression

Break the negative feedback loop:

Depression is one of the worst mental disorders imaginable, and it can put you in a very negative state of mind. It causes you to develop a negative mindset, and everything seems gloomy and hopeless.

You feel like nothing is going to go your way, and these feelings can actually turn into reality, and the negativity overwhelms your mind. You have a pessimistic perception that hinders your ability to be your best self.

This leads to problems at work or in your personal life, which reinforces your negative mindset making it much worse.

This vicious loop continues, making your mentality worse and worse every time; therefore, breaking this negative feedback loop is very important. The best way to do that is to bring small positive changes in your life.

Start with small things; for instance, find one thing in your room that is bothering you and just fix it. It can be something as small as a messy desk or a stray sock on the floor. Small positive changes promote positivity and eventually motivate you to be more productive, breaking out of the loop of negativity.

This is an excellent way to improve your motivation, as well.

Make sure that you are getting a healthy amount of sleep:

Your sleep has a very significant impact on your overall health. It is important that you maintain a healthy sleep cycle and get the right amount of sleep. Ideally, you should get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every day; any less or even more than that can have a negative impact on your mental health and exacerbate your depression.

Sleep deprivation can cause mental fatigue, and it can make it challenging for you to get the motivation that you need both for your treatment and to deal with the difficulties of daily life. Sleep deprivation also decreases your tolerance against stress and leads to several physical disorders as well.

Furthermore, sleeping too much can also be bad for your mental health, and it can make you lethargic and have a negative impact on your self-esteem as well.

Therefore, if you want to regain your motivation, you should make sure that you sleep on time and wake up on time as well. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine is key to the effective treatment of depression.

Adopt an emotional support animal:

Our pets have a very important place in our lives, and did you know that they can even be very beneficial for your mental and physical health. In fact, if you or anyone you know is dealing with depression, adopting an emotional support pet can be an excellent way to improve your treatment.

Emotional support dogs are trained to know when you are feeling down. They can understand your moods and show you love and affection when you need it the most. Though it is easier to take care of these pets, it is still a responsibility, which can be very good for someone who is dealing with depression.

Being responsible for your pet allows you to feel more reliable and productive. It can also give your self-esteem a boost allowing you to be more productive and find motivation.

People with depression need emotional support, but sometimes it can be very hard to get. People with depression feel that they are a burden on their friends and family members, and they can’t seek the emotional support that they really want.

Therefore, adopting an emotional support pet is very effective, and it has an incredible impact on your mental health.

Organize your routine:

Another excellent way to improve your depression treatment and bring back some order to your life is to put an emphasis on organization. You should organize your routine and make a physical to-do list.

Writing down your routine and sticking it on a wall where you can see it makes a huge difference. When you check-off different tasks from your to-do list, it leads to a boost in your self-esteem and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

This motivates and inspires you to aim higher every day. Furthermore, organizing your schedule can help you combat day to day stress as well. It makes it easier to meet your deadlines and find time for rest and relaxation as well.

You should also consider keeping a journal as a part of your everyday routine. It allows you to keep track of your positive thoughts, and dispose of the negative ones in a safe way, which can make room for positive thoughts and ideas.

Disconnect and spend more time in nature:

Nature has a soothing effect on your mind, and if you are feeling overwhelmed because of stress and anxiety, and you feel like you are about to have a depressive episode, spending some time in nature can have a positive impact on your mind.

You should consider going for a walk, and enjoy the fresh air. Moreover, it is important to disconnect from your gadgets and spend some time focusing on yourself.

This allows you to get out of the negative loops in your life and feel more motivated.

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!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Carol Duke

January 5, 2021

7836 Views

How to Make Your Travel Nursing Application Stand Out

Posted on January 5, 2021January 16, 2023 by Carol Duke

“You only get one chance to make a first impression.” It’s an old adage that couldn’t be more true for travel nursing applicants looking to win their dream job.

A job application is a crucial introduction between you and a hiring manager or potential employer. A well-organized resume gives your future boss a quick glimpse into a lifetime of experiences and accomplishments, helping them decide whether or not you’d get that call for an interview.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a newly registered nurse, or one who’s been working in the field for many years, it’s important to keep your nursing application well-polished and up-to-date.

So how do you make an impression as the best candidate for a travel nursing job? Below are some tips and advice to help you stand out from the competition and get that job you’re seeking:

Earn a degree.

To stand out from the crowd, a nurse should consider earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. While a bachelor’s degree is enough for nurses to gain knowledge and demonstrate their dedication to the field of healthcare, the rapidly growing number of professional nurses with a bachelor’s degree has become the norm.

An MSN degree on your resume or CV can help boost your chances of getting the job. A nurse with an MSN degree has the advanced knowledge, training, and expertise required to not only provide high-quality patient care but also to lead and guide their colleagues.

Spice up your resume and cover letter.

Even before entering the professional world, fresh graduates should highlight their school activities, volunteer work, special projects, and other notable involvement in student nursing organizations.

If you’re new in the field, you can also talk about previous job experiences, even if it’s not in the health care setting. If you’re a newly registered nurse, you should also offer examples of your great work ethic.

Meanwhile, seasoned nurses should write in detail about their job experiences, skills, and ability to contribute to and work with a team. They can also focus on their enthusiasm, eagerness, and dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and theories in nursing, as well as their readiness to embrace change.

Of course, make it a habit to proofread, edit, and double-check errors on your resume or cover letter before submitting it to a potential employer. Make sure there are no mistakes in your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Additionally, use fonts that are readable and easy on the eyes, such as Arial.

Not sure how to get started with your resume? Don’t fret. You can find writing help online, straight from experts and professionals. Whether you need nursing essay writing services or writing and editing assistance for your nursing application, you can always turn to a seasoned writer or editor to help polish up your papers. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and it’s affordable, too.

Put the spotlight on your clinical experience and areas of expertise.

Simply stating that you’re a registered nurse who has earned a degree won’t grab the attention of potential employers and earn you a slot for an interview. Instead, take some time to list down your areas of expertise. This way, you’ll give your future boss an idea of the specific skills you’re adept in.

While skills are usually described in detail during the interview process, highlighting them in your job application could be your key to earning that face-to-face meeting with a potential employer. For nurses, consider including a section, preferably near the top of your resume, where hiring managers can easily find your skill sets and expertise. This could be anything from intravenous (IV) infusion certification, emergency/critical care experience, management and administration, nursing informatics, and more.

Stress the importance of workplace values.

Describing your workplace responsibilities won’t be enough to impress an employer or hiring manager, especially in the health care setting. They will want to know how you, as a professional nurse, had a direct contribution to improving the overall quality of patient care, care delivery processes and reduced the cost of care in your previous job experience.

When presenting your travel nursing application, make sure you’ve included specific descriptions of your workplace values and accomplishments. Sure, showcasing your honors, awards, and certificates can be helpful, but they’re not the only way to express value.

As a nurse, you should look for chances to measure your job accomplishments in a tangible way, one that can be conveyed in your resume. Consider adding quantifiable information, like the number of employees or trainees you’ve supervised or the increase in your department’s productivity rate at the time you were working for them. Even small details like the average number of patients you can handle each day can provide a clearer picture of your nurse’s achievements.

For professional nurses, a job application is a great opportunity to put your best foot forward, both in your present and potential workplaces.

Remember: It’s important not to make your resume stand out for the wrong reasons. Follow the simple tips above while filling out your travel nursing application, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream travel nursing job!

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!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Kevin Devoto

January 4, 2021

7123 Views

5 Essentials Travel Nurses Should Bring with Them

Posted on January 4, 2021May 19, 2021 by Kevin Devoto

Think about the things you want to have with you when you’re traveling for your job. What about what you need to have with you? Do the two lists have anything in common? It’s important to pack what will make you comfortable, but if you’re starting a job as a travel nurse, here are some travel nurse essentials you need.

1. Medications and Supplements

Make sure you pack an adequate supply of whatever medications you need or take regularly. If you take long-term prescriptions, make sure you have enough to cover your stay plus some extra. If you’re not taking any prescription medication but take something over the counter like allergy medicine, bring a good supply of that too. This applies to supplements as well. While many medications and supplements can be found in any grocery store, convenience store, or pharmacy, it can be better to make sure you pack what you need, especially if you buy your supplements online and don’t want to ship them to a new address every few months. For example, if you take high impact endurance coupon, you can buy a larger amount of it at once, so it lasts longer instead of buying it monthly while you’re on the road.

2. Important Paperwork

When you go on vacation, you bring some form of ID with you, whether your driver’s license or passport. When you travel for a longer period of time, there are other documents you’ll need to bring with you too. You should pack whatever documents you need for your work, such as your travel nurse contract and your nursing license. Bring along copies of your social security card, birth certificate, and any other credentials you think you might need. You don’t need the originals, and if possible, you should keep these in a safe place at your home base or somewhere else safe like a safety deposit box.

3. Climate Appropriate Supplies

When you accept a travel nurse position, you’ll be assigned a location. Once you know where you’re going to be working, you can do some research on the area. What is the climate like? How often does the weather change? This will help you figure out whether you’ll need to pack rain gear, sun protectant, or cold-weather clothing. Knowing these things will provide you with an easier time packing. If you know in advance that you’ll need sweaters and heavy coats, you can adjust the rest of your packing accordingly.

4. Space Saving Storage

You can purchase space-saving items such as packing cubes and vacuum storage bags. Packing cubes don’t reduce the space your things will take up in your luggage, but they will help you organize your things most efficiently and maximize the use of your available space. On the other hand, Vacuum storage bags are meant to reduce the size of certain items so you can store or pack more. You can fill them with bulky but soft items such as pillows, sweaters, and quilts, then vacuum out the air and compress the items, so you have more room to pack. They’re also made of waterproof materials like plastic, so they’re good at keeping fabric items dry.

5. Electronics

Electronics are ubiquitous in this day and age. If you’re a travel nurse, bring along your phone, laptop, and chargers so you can keep in touch with your friends and family you’re living far away from. You can also use them to familiarize yourself with the place you’re living and working in. Additionally, some travel nurse agencies will provide you with appliances like televisions in your living space. However, if one of those isn’t provided, you’ll still have access to videos and media through your devices.

When you travel for work, make sure you have what you need to live away from your home base for an extended amount of time, but don’t overpack. Think about how you’re traveling and where you’re going to figure out what you’ll need and what you’re able to bring.

We hope you found this list of 5 travel nurse essentials to pack helpful. Are there any other travel nurse essentials to add to the list? 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!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Jessie Leasure

January 3, 2021

9373 Views

The City That Opened The Doors To A Whole New World

Posted on January 3, 2021May 19, 2021 by Jessie Leasure

New Orleans was my very first of 6 travel nurse assignments. Almost 4 years ago now.

At the age of 23, I had moved over 1,000 miles away from home, on my own– my car packed to the brim– to a place where I truly didn’t know a soul. I had 2 years experience as a medical surgical nurse, and was headed to a hospital where they told me not to linger around outside..

I knew nothing about NOLA.

[Mind you, I grew up in the middle of nowhere with virtually no neighbors, surrounded by amber waves of grain, and had never really left] I was TERRIFIED. I had cried for an entire week before my departure date. Dramatically saying goodbye to everyone and everything as if I were being shipped overseas against my will.

Constantly wavering back and forth over my decision to dive into the unknown.

I remember gripping the steering wheel down the driveway with the most exhilarating feeling I’ve ever had. I pretended to cry one last time, but I couldn’t. It was just me, myself, and the open road– My fears suddenly shifted to pure adrenaline and excitement! I was going to be a travel nurse in New Orleans!

To say that New Orleans completely changed my life would be an understatement.

I had never felt so free. I got my first apartment on my own. I met many incredible people that became lifelong friends. I fell in love with jazz and the southern storms. I danced like nobody was watching. I learned the streets like THAT was my job. I immersed myself into the food and culture, and learned as much as I could.

New Orleans was also the first place I forced myself to go to a restaurant by myself; shaking with my heart beating out of my chest– I ordered a glass of red wine, drank it fast, and left. I learned so much as a travel nurse in New Orleans.

But I did it.

What I’m getting at is this:

I can’t imagine what kind of person I’d be today if I had never made that first move to be a travel nurse in New Orleans. All it took was taking one easy step, saying “what’s the worst that could happen?” Picking up the phone.. and letting go. Suddenly, a whole new world was opened up to me. One that I literally couldn’t even imagine before. I was hooked. There was no going back to my previous way of merely existing.

When I finally left for my next destination, after 6 months of learning, growing, expanding through the challenges (and a whole lot of memorable nights).. I cried all the way through Louisiana and Mississippi. Being a travel nurse in New Orleans had been such a profound experience.. I couldn’t even describe it. I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.

I even remember my Facebook post:

No picture. No real words. I was speechless. Funny, it’s taken me 4 years to put this all into words, but sometimes you don’t even realize the impact something, or someone, or some moment has on you– until you’re able to look back with a new set of eyes.

Now here’s why I’m sharing today–

For the past few weeks, the thought of New Orleans has been popping up DAILY for me, (there’s a reason they say NOLA lives in you forever)..

And NOW I’ve figured out why.

It’s the feeling of absolute freedom.. of exhilaration.. of feeling SO alive in the moment I could cry.

My soul remembers.

It’s a personal guidance call to face my fears AGAIN. To level up. To just take one step into the unknown, to remind myself why I’m here, and what life is supposed to feel like. It’s a challenge to get to a whole new world and way of life that I can’t even imagine right now.

The best part is– every time I’ve ripped the band-aid off and just done whatever it is.. It’s ALWAYS paid off.

And what I’ve come to find is this:

The fears are always going to be there. The reasons NOT to do something are going to outweigh the reasons to do it when you’re skeptical or scared or doubtful.

It’s important to remember that your brain WILL try and stop you. That’s it’s job.. to protect you from straying from your personal status quo and level of comfort.

Wavering back and forth over a big decision..? Totally normal. That’s your heart and brain arguing over what’s best for you.

But when and if you can push past those thoughts and have COURAGE.. THAT’S when YOU take control and when the REALLY GOOD stuff flows in. That’s when you learn more about yourself and grow.

That’s when LIFE happens.

You then teach yourself that it’s ok to follow desires, it’s ok to take risks, it’s ok to listen to the heart once in a while..

And you’ll wonder why you waited so long to live.

P.s I’m simply sharing in the hopes that someone who is on the fence of choosing between comfort and something big and scary… that they choose the scary one. Take the chance. Opportunities don’t remain the same forever.

Are you searching for a GREAT Paying Travel Nurse Position?

Check out these HOT Travel Nurse JOBS

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By White Glove Placement

December 31, 2020

6887 Views

The Best Places to Travel for Each Month of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2020January 16, 2023 by White Glove Placement

This article was provided by White Glove Placement.

After contending with the coronavirus for almost a year, travel nurses both need—and deserve—some R&R. Although international travel may not be safe yet, there are plenty of destinations within the United States that would make a perfect getaway. Treat yourself to beautiful vistas, spectacular weather, and sensational events.

January

In the month of January, escape the freezing temps by visiting idyllic Jekyll Island, Georgia, for a coastal getaway. The high temperature in January is in the low-60s, which means fairly uninterrupted beach time without the usual summer. As an added bonus, the island hosts an event called Island Treasures, which is a sort of hide-and-seek game where locals and visitors search for hidden glass globes similar to those fishermen once used to mark their nets.

February

Art lovers can rejoice in a vacation to Seattle, Washington, in February during the city’s Museum Month. Over 40 museums and cultural institutions participate in the event where admission is half-price. Visit exhibits like MoPop, the Seattle Aquarium, or the Seattle Art Museum, which have surely been on your bucket list for years.

March

If you’re looking for a quaint and cozy vacation during the month of March, then visit Newfield, Maine, during the maple season. Check out the famous sugarhouses and walk-through tiny cabins scattered in the woods as the scent of sugar wafts in the air. Try visiting on Maine Maple Sunday for free tastings.

April

Although the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, was canceled this year due to the pandemic, it plans to reopen in April 2021. The event includes live music from both local and nationally known artists. Enjoy local foods like crawfish beignets and alligator sausage po’boys to get an authentic taste of the bayou.

May

Looking to vacation somewhere a little more mainstream? Consider Louisville, Kentucky, in May for the annual Kentucky Derby. While the weather can sometimes be finicky, the event is a great excuse to put on your most elaborate hat and sip a mint julep while watching the horse races. Tickets are reasonably priced and give you access to vendors to buy cigars, drinks, foods, and to place a wager on your favorite horses.

June

In June, travel to Temecula Valley, California, to experience the Balloon and Wine Festival. Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon launch, and then enjoy wine tastings, craft fair art exhibits, or wine barrel racing. The warm weather is inviting but not overbearing, making it the perfect time to sit outside while sipping on wine or local craft beer.

July

A hidden gem to visit during the month of July is Mackinac Island, Michigan. The relatively small island can only be reached by ferry, and upon arrival, you’ll find that there are no cars or chain hotels. It is the perfect destination for quality time outdoors if you want to hike, horseback ride, or relax on the beach by the Great Lakes.

August

Visit the nation’s largest state fair in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the month of August. Go on your favorite carnival rides or indulge in an assortment of foods served on sticks (like pickles or macaroni). It’s a fun time for kids of all ages.

September

Visiting San Francisco, California, in September is a great option because the city experiences one of its warmest and driest months. Take a stroll—without a large number of tourists—on the Golden Gate Bridge or go on a whale watching tour to see the migrating blue and humpback whales.

October

For something a little spookier, visit Salem, Massachusetts, in October for the annual Haunted Happenings Festival. There are parades, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, and movie nights, all at the very location of the original Salem Witch Trials. If you are a bit of a history buff, make sure to check out the Salem Witch Museum or the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to learn more about the infamous witch trials.

November

If you want to escape the cold, November is a great month to visit Key West, Florida. Temperatures are in the high 70’s and low 80’s. There are plenty of aquatic activities to take part in besides enjoying the beach—you can rent a kayak, snorkel, or rent a boat and sail around the open waters. At the end of the day, enjoy a drink at Sloppy Joe’s, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots.

December

Enjoy the snow and ski season with a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, in December. With picturesque and pristine mountains for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, Sun Valley is an ideal winter getaway. And when it is time to warm up, the area boasts incredible naturally occurring hot springs. Rent a cozy cabin and snuggle up by the fireplace after a long day embracing the outdoors.

Fun in New York all year

If you are a thrill seeker and are looking for adventure and excitement, New York is a great assignment location any time of the year! There is so much to do and see in New York that it makes a great location for an assignment. If you are looking for excitement, there are many options. New York City is full of exciting things to do. You could try indoor skydiving at iFLY Westchester, go on a ghost hunt at the Ghostbuster’s firehouse, take in a game at one of the many sports stadiums in the city. You can also enjoy the hustle and bustle of Time Square. If relaxing is more your style you could spend some time in Central Park. If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, while in NYC, you can watch & listen to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, admire street art in Bushwick, and of course, you could always take in a show on Broadway. New York really is a great place to consider for your next assignment for any adventure.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Amber Pickler

December 30, 2020

13997 Views

Easy Crockpot Recipes for Travel Nurses

Posted on December 30, 2020May 3, 2021 by Amber Pickler

Crockpots or slow cookers are great for travel nurses and travel healthcare workers. You typically have to throw the ingredients into it and set it to cook for hours while you are at work. As such, we have put together some easy crock pot recipes for our travel nurses.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini

Prep Time- 15 mins
Cook Time- 8 hrs 10 mins
Total Time- 8 hrs 25 mins

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. fresh chicken breast fillets
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
1 cup diced white onion
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup chicken broth
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, ⅓ less fat or regular
1/2 pound dried spaghetti noodles 1/2 a box, cook according to package directions
8 oz. pkg. mozzarella cheese, grated (reduced-fat or regular)

Instructions

Add the chicken, sea salt, garlic powder, pepper, tarragon, onions, and mushrooms. Pour over the chicken broth. DO NOT ADD THE CREAM CHEESE OR SPAGHETTI YET. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.

Cut the cream cheese into squares and add the slow cooker, cover. In the meantime, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.

After the cream, the cheese has had some time to melt. Take 2 forks and shred the chicken. Stir the sauce and chicken together. Add the cooked and drained pasta. Stir. Add the mozzarella cheese over the pasta and sauce. Cover for about 10 more minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional values are approximate. Please use your own calculation if you require a special diet. Values below are for 1/8 of the recipe.

Nutrition

Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe {low carb, gluten free}

Ingredients

1lb thin sliced sirloin steak
1 thinly sliced green pepper
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 thinly sliced onion (white or red)
3Tbsp soy sauce
1Tbsp sesame oil
1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

Instructions

Add the first four ingredients to the Slow Cooker
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ingredients
Pour over top of meat and vegetable mixture
Cook on low for 6-8 hours
Serve over rice

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 4
SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

CALORIES: 345
TOTAL FAT: 20g
SATURATED FAT: 7g
TRANS FAT: 0g
UNSATURATED FAT: 10g
CHOLESTEROL: 104mg
SODIUM: 726mg
CARBOHYDRATES: 8g
FIBER: 2g
SUGAR: 3g
PROTEIN: 33g

Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Prep Time- 10 mins Cook Time- 6 hrs Total Time- 6 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients

1 15- oz. can black beans
1 15.25- oz. can corn undrained
1 10- oz. can Rotel tomatoes undrained
1 package ranch dressing mix
1 tsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 8- oz package light cream cheese
2 chicken breasts

Instructions

Drain and rinse the black beans. Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, then pour out the whole can of corn (undrained), Rotel tomatoes, and black beans on top of chicken.

Top with seasonings and ranch dressing mix. Stir together.

Place cream cheese block on top. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

After the cooking time is over, take chicken breasts from crock pot and shred and add back to the chili. Stir together and enjoy!

Notes

(recipe adapted from plain chicken)

Nutrition

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

PREP TIME- 15 minutes
COOK TIME 4 hours
TOTAL TIME- 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 jar pasta sauce
2 1/2 cups water
4 cups ziti or penne noodles, uncooked
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
fresh parsley for garnish, if desired

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until cooked. Add in the minced garlic, salt, basil, and oregano, and stir. Cook for 1 minute
Add the beef mixture, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and water into the slow cooker. Stir until combined. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Turn your slow cooker on high and add ziti or penne noodles, and stir. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are of desired consistency.
Sprinkle shredded Mozza on top {and parsley if desired}, cover, and cook until cheese is melted. This will take about 15 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 8 people

Amount Per Serving:

CALORIES: 429
SATURATED FAT: 6g
CHOLESTEROL: 49mg
SODIUM: 845mg
CARBOHYDRATES: 53g
FIBER: 4g
SUGAR: 8g
PROTEIN: 22g

Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes

PREP TIME- 5 minutes
COOK TIME- 3 hours
TOTAL TIME- 3 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 Lbs Red Potatoes – quartered
6 (3/4 inch) Boneless Pork Chops (or bone-in if available)
1/2 Cup Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Dry Ranch Seasoning
2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tablespoons butter – cubed

Instructions

Sear pork chops in an oiled skillet over medium/high heat. (optional)
Mix oil, ranch, and apple cider vinegar.
Place potatoes and pork chops into a slow cooker. Pour ranch mixture over the top and toss to coat potatoes and chops evenly.
Top with butter cubes.
Cooking on high heat for approximately 3 hours. On low, 5-6 hours. Salt/Pepper to taste.

Notes

Some readers have expressed that this dish was not flavorful enough. If you prefer extra flavor, follow the tips below:

Sear pork chops
Increase dry ranch mix amount to 4 Tablespoons
Add 1 chopped sweet onion and 8 whole garlic cloves to potatoes

Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

Prep Time- 10 mins Cook Time- 6 hrs Total Time- 6 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients

1-pound lean ground beef
salt and pepper
1 bell pepper chopped
15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup jarred salsa I used mild
15 ounce can corn drained
3 tablespoons taco seasoning I use this easy recipe
2 ½ cups water or low sodium chicken broth I used one 14.5 ounce can chicken broth plus enough water to total 2 ½ cups
12 ounces shell pasta shapes whole grain or white
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and season with salt and pepper—Cook the meat, often stirring, until browned. Transfer beef to slow cooker.
Add the bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, corn, taco seasoning, and broth or water. Stir.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Stir in the pasta. Cook on high for 10-20 minutes. Pasta cook time will vary by the slow cooker. Begin checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and serve.

Nutrition

Crockpot Tortellini & Sausage Soup

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (browned & drained)
2 (15oz) cans Italian diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (32oz container)
8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
1 (20oz) bag of frozen cheese tortellini
3-4 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

Add the browned, chopped, and drained sausage, broth, both cans of diced tomatoes, and cubed cream cheese to your slow cooker.
Please give it a good stir and cook on LOW for about 4 hours or until the cream cheese has completely dissolved.
Stir in the spinach and frozen tortellini and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the pasta is done to your liking.
Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Notes

The tortellini will continue to cook if left in the crockpot to warm, so it’s best served right away with any remaining stored in the fridge for later.

You can also use the refrigerated tortellini, just keep in mind that it may cook a little bit faster.

Feel free to add anything else to the soup that you’d like. You can add a little minced garlic to the sausage while it’s browning if you have it on hand. You can also add cayenne or red pepper if you like it spicy.

We hope you found these crockpot recipes helpful. Do you have any easy crockpot recipes you would like to share? Please comment on your favorite crockpot recipes 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!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

List your place on a platform like Furnished Finder.

Try Travel Nurse Housing Facebook groups.

Reach out to your recruiter.

Consider putting up a notice at a local hospital.

Make sure your renters are leaving reviews.

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!)

Related Posts

Basics to Choosing the Right Travel Nurse Company

Relationship Survival Tips for Traveling Together

Traveling to a Foreign Territory!

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Being the proud mother of cats, I have learned that we’re not really all that different.

To start:

Travel Day

No unnecessary stops

At the hotel

Arriving at our destination

Tips for traveling with cats:

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!)

Related Posts

What?! There’s a Conference for Travel Nurses?!

Travel Nurses with Unsupportive Friends and Family: How to Deal with It

Debt Free as a Travel Nurse – Tips for Paying Down Debt

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Top 5 Apps for Tracking Hours

Related Posts

Necessary Apps for Travel Nurses Before Hitting the Road

How to Achieve a Work-Life Balance as a Travel Nurse

Traveling with Cats: Tips from a Travel Nurse

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Ways to Improve Lack of Motivation and Depression

Break the negative feedback loop:

Make sure that you are getting a healthy amount of sleep:

Adopt an emotional support animal:

Organize your routine:

Disconnect and spend more time in nature:

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!)

Related Posts

Travel Nurses: What To Do About A Toxic Work Culture

5 Ways to Focus on Mental Health While Traveling

Handling Sexual Harassment at Work as a Travel Nurse

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Earn a degree.

Spice up your resume and cover letter.

Put the spotlight on your clinical experience and areas of expertise.

Stress the importance of workplace values.

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!)

Related Posts

Advice and Tips for New Travel Nurses

From Staffer to Traveler: Travel Nurses Share their Stories on Making the Leap

Skills Each Travel Nurse Should Get In College

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

1. Medications and Supplements

2. Important Paperwork

3. Climate Appropriate Supplies

4. Space Saving Storage

5. Electronics

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!)

Related Posts

Northeast Georgia Why You Should Add it to Your Travel List