February 22, 2021

6826 Views

Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse

Posted on February 22, 2021October 28, 2022 by Lauren Festa

Travel nursing is an occupation that is applauded worldwide, especially during such difficult times for healthcare workers. In light of COVID-19, healthcare professionals have been working tirelessly to provide for impacted countries around the globe in hopes of bringing health and wellness to those in need. During these times, a necessary occupation would most definitely be travel nurse, but this job allows you to be a hero and brings quite a few benefits.

The obvious…TRAVEL

An enormous benefit of travel nursing is in the title of the occupation: travel! The luxury of traveling to just about wherever you please to help save lives is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone could imagine. Travel nurses are sent on assignments nationwide for about eight to thirteen weeks. These assignments allow nurses to be placed in states ranging from warm and oceanic Hawaii all the way to snowy and ski-filled Colorado. The choice is theirs. Travel nurses have the ability to indulge in their inner free spirit and enjoy working in different locations while being an enormous contribution to healthcare.

Flexible schedule

Not only do travel nurses get to travel to their desired location to be employed, but this also comes with schedule flexibility. There will always be somewhere in which a particular hospital’s hours will match those of the nurse. A flexible schedule is a massive issue with many employers, although, with this specific occupation, that issue is usually cleared. Travel nursing allows nurses to work during the hours they wish to and in the location, they care for.

Great Pay

Travel nurses already have their desired location and hours, but they all benefit from their salary! Some may argue that the ability to travel around the country is worth the money within itself, but according to Nurse.org, travel nurses’ wages are over a hundred thousand dollars. Travel nurses are also making a total of more money in comparison to registered nurses (RN). According to Nightingale.edu, the average salary of a registered nurse is around seventy-one thousand dollars. Each state is continually changing its salary for travel nurses, allowing nurses to change locations once their assignment is up to a potentially higher-paying state. These salaries are additional to the priceless adventure that traveling within itself brings.

Making new friends

Out of the many benefits that becoming a travel nurse brings, one of the most priceless ones that this job gives is the number of people the nurses meet. Traveling around the country, visiting and working in different states around the nation, travel nurses meet endless people. The benefit of traveling and meeting many people allows for connections, relationships, and friendships brought to these nurses with people from around the country. There are only so many jobs that pay you to be a hero around the nation and provide the opportunity to meet new people every single day.

Nurses are more needed than ever

With COVID-19 still being very present in today’s climate, many have lost jobs and money due to such a draining virus that has impacted everyone worldwide. Although, for travel nurses, job loss is out of the question. Nurses are needed now more than ever around the country to help those in need within the healthcare workforce. There are nurse shortages in hospitals countrywide. As a result, these professionals are needed everywhere. Being a travel nurse does not limit them to help in one area, but the ability to see the nation and work towards lowering the rate of COVID-19 cases in each state.

Adventurous lifestyle

Travel nursing is quite an on-the-go job in which it may be challenging to keep up with such an adventurous lifestyle. Some may be hesitant to have such a venturesome occupation and life and might want to take a pet on the way with them. Travel nurses are more than capable of taking a pet on their road to success. Being a travel nurse means continually being on the move and venturing out. You might as well bring a furry companion for good company!

Always learning

In general, nursing requires a ton of skill and education that all nurses are equipped with. The benefit of being a travel nurse is that nurses are learning new things every day from each different place while changing hospitals continuously. While registered nurses usually stay in one hospital throughout their career, there is only so much to learn in one area. They are changing locations all the time, learning from the different people they come across in other areas and cities.

The list of benefits for travel nurses is endless. This career may not be made for everyone, but traveling while saving lives is an adventure waiting for anyone who is up for it. They are needed everywhere and appreciated nationwide.

We hope you found these benefits helpful. Are there any that we missed? 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.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By christy Asah

February 21, 2021

6574 Views

A Mat and Two Dumbbells; Easy Exercises for Travel Nurses

Posted on February 21, 2021May 19, 2021 by christy Asah

One of our reasons for not working out as travel nurses is not making it to the gym. Maybe because of distance or time. This is very understandable, but then 100% is your mindset. I suggest using a mat and two dumbbells, and you will be good to go with working out at home, wherever that may be. The excuse of not being able to go to the gym is out the window. With equipment like two dumbbells makes working out so much easier on the road.

Now let’s talk about time!

I know that as busy travel nurses, your free time is precious. However, you do not need to exercise every day. All you need is a minimum of 30 mins/day for 3 days, and you are suitable for a start. Pick a day and time that is realistic and attainable for you. Are you a morning person? If yes, then my advice is to get your exercise in first thing in the morning when you wake up, and you are good to go for the day. Do you love working out in the evening? If yes, then do your workout in the evening but make sure this is attainable.

So now you have your mat, two dumbbells, day and time, what else!

This brings me to the answer mindset. Getting all these is not the problem, but the question is, are you ready? Are you 100% sure? Is your mindset ready? If yes, that is awesome, get to work! If you answer no but are willing 100%, then reach out for help. Start with a coach, which helps with accountability and consistency.

It is a good idea to compete with yourself. You are holding yourself accountable if you do not meet your goals. We are travel nurses. We are busy. But Stop! Think! Ask yourself this question, ‘When was the last time you said you have to start on a journey to fitness and nutrition?’ Probably ‘right now’ is the answer but did you ever get started on that? No. Why? The answer is; because it is commitment and consistency, and that is something we cannot afford or are afraid of.

30 mins is all you need to take care of you

So, why not take care of yourself? No one else can take care of you as you do. It is a healthy habit, and healthful habits are not what we are comfortable with. It comes with pain but remember “a strong body is made in absolute discomfort” until you start seeing results, you will never appreciate what you have.

Confused of what workouts to do?

Why not start working on your upper body on one day and your lower body on another day? Sign up for challenges where the workouts are already planned out for you, and all you need to do is sign up and get to work.

Here are some great videos for starting points.

We all know the importance of exercise, and yes, we get our steps in at work. What happens to the days you do not go to work?

I am a travel nurse, and I understand how hard it for us to keep up with our fitness and nutrition, but you can do it if you put your mind to it. Do not let negativity cloud your mind and take control.

Invest in yourself, it is a must!

If you want results, sign up for challenges. I had the same problem until I decided that it was time for me to invest in myself, and that was one of the best decisions I made without regrets.

Let me know in any way I can help. My job as a fitness and empowerment coach is to reach out, especially to my fellow nurses who are willing to embark on a fitness and nutrition journey.

Go follow @datmodernafricanurse on Instagram for more tips.

We hope you found this article on a mat and two dumbbells helpful. It is our hope that you took something away from it.

Want more information on travel nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Amber Pickler

February 20, 2021

11346 Views

Frequently Asked Friday: Tips for Surviving a Disastrous Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on February 20, 2021January 26, 2023 by Amber Pickler

Not every travel nurse assignment is going to be great. You may not mesh well with the staff, or you may find the hospital or facility’s practices put your license in jeopardy. We have seen many posts about travel nurse assignments being terrible or disastrous in our Facebook group. So, we have taken some of the top comments and tips and put them together in this article.

Surviving a Disastrous Travel Nurse Assignment

Find a Friend

Having a nurse friend at your assignment is one of the top comments we have found in our group. It is important to have a friend to talk to. While you may have friends back home, they won’t know first hand the experiences you are going through at your current assignment. This friend can be another travel nurse or even a staff nurse. It isn’t recommended to bash the facility/hospital to the staff members. We understand that, but positively discussing your frustrations with a friend is okay.

Cross off the days!

Another frequent tip was to buy a calendar, whether paper or dry erase, and cross off the days as they go by. Doing this gives you a visual, which will help you feel like you have accomplished more. It also gives you a goal that is visually in front of you. You will feel more relief as the days get less and less.

Make the most of your off days!

Make sure that you are getting the most of your days off. Spend them doing things you enjoy. Don’t spend your time worrying about your assignment or stressing about when you work again. Leave work at work. It might mean finding things to do. Find something you enjoy and do it. It will help keep your mind from going back to your assignment.

Have a drink

While this may not be a tip everyone follows, it is okay to have a drink after your shift; it may help calm your nerves and make you a little more relaxed. It can be thought of as a little reward to yourself for putting up with the assignment.

Keep Your Recruiter Updated

It is always important to keep your recruiter updated during your travel nurse assignment, especially when you are having problems with your assignment. They can’t help you with the situation if they aren’t even aware of it. As stated below, you need to let them know STAT!

There are many other ways to survive a disastrous travel nurse assignment. Have you been on an assignment that was a disaster? How did you get through it? Comment below with your tips!

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Jackson Nurse Professionals

February 19, 2021

7697 Views

High-Energy Meals to Help you Power Through Your Shift (& COVID-19)

Posted on February 19, 2021November 10, 2023 by Jackson Nurse Professionals

This article was provided by Jackson Nurse Professionals.

42% of nurses are skipping their lunch and dinner breaks during the pandemic, putting their health at risk for the care of their patients. Pandemic or not, the job of a nurse is both physically and mentally draining, so it’s critically important to keep your body and mind running at peak efficiency throughout your shift.

While it may be hard to find the motivation to pack a meal in your backpack each day, we’ve got a quick and simple solution that can help you save money and stay energized: meal prepping. It takes just one hour on your day off to cook and package powerhouse meals that can last your entire workweek.

What makes a high-energy meal?

Your mid-shift meal is a particularly difficult meal to get right. Too much food – particularly starchy and rich meals – can leave you feeling sluggish and ready for a nap. An underwhelming portion can have the same effect or leave you in a constant state of being “hangry.”

Ultimately, the perfect power-packed meal is all about balance. According to Mom’s Kitchen Handbook, you want a combination of high-quality carbohydrates, good fats, and protein. Carbs are the body’s go-to energy source, providing the vitamins and minerals needed to stay on your feet. Good fats, like nuts and avocados, and proteins, such as chicken or fish, are digested slowly and help keep you satisfied longer.

Creating a meal with this trifecta in mind makes for an energizing, nutrient-rich meal that’s ideal for a mid-shift pick-me-up.

Customized power bowls

You’ll never get tired of these power bowls from Oh She Glos because you can customize them each week. These healthy lunches are created by roasting two huge sheets of veggies, a grain, and fresh vegetables, then adds beans, nuts, or avocados, depending on the flavor profile. This is one of many great meals for travel nurses.

Chicken with cauliflower rice

If you want a low-carb recipe, prep this lunch from prevention replaces a traditional grain with cauliflower rice. While they recommended it be served with grilled or baked chicken, this would also go well with fish as the main protein.

Hearty vegetarian chili with butternut squash

This recipe from Food Network is sure to warm you up. Beans and corn are a hearty substitute for meat, but feel free to add chicken in for some additional protein. Cook up a pot and keep it in the fridge or freeze it for an entire week’s worth of meals.

Chicken shawarma bowl

Cooking Light boasts that this flavor-packed recipe can be created in only 15 minutes. Chicken cooked in a garlicky, tahini-spiked yogurt and served over your grain of choice is a warm spicy meal your taste buds will be grateful for.

Now that your meal plans are in place, we recommend sitting down with one of these great books on travel nursing, recommended by Katherine Rundell.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Jennifer Traub

February 18, 2021

7777 Views

A Day in the Life of a Covid Nurse

Posted on February 18, 2021May 19, 2021 by Jennifer Traub

WARNING: This post will be graphic. Read at your own risk.

I recently completed a crisis contract as a covid nurse in southern California. The city of Los Angeles has steadily been reporting 7,000 COVID cases a day. Of course, most of these cases are mild, and people will walk away unharmed… However, with that amount of reported cases, statistically comes a surge in patients sick enough to be hospitalized. The state hires many nurses in the area anticipating this surge because, without this extra help, there are just not enough hands to take care of all of these sick people.

I get assigned to a hospital two hours east of Los Angeles, in a city called Indio. It is a tiny 142 county hospital halfway filled with COVID patients, Products of the Christmas and New Years’ surge. I am immediately assigned to the all COVID unit. Many hospitals are having to create wards to hold these sick patients and keep them isolated from the ones who do not have COVID. Sometimes it is just not feasible due to the amount of COVID patients coming in at once.

A day in the life of a COVID Nurse

I take a deep breath and put on my N95 mask

There are about 30 COVID patients on this unit. I take a deep breath and put on my N95 mask. It is going to be a long 12 hours. I put a surgical mask over it. I place my face shield and gown on and prepare to see my first patient.

The first man is in his 70s.

He is on a non-rebreather mask at 15L and satting 91%. Normal is between 92 and 100%. He seems to be stable at the moment.

My other lady is in her 80s.

Her husband died of COVID two days prior. She requires minimal oxygen. She aspirates on her own vomit by the end of my shift and dies shortly after.

The other woman is Spanish and in her 60s.

Requiring the highest support of BIPAP you can have. This is the mask you wear right before you get intubated. We like to try everything we can to keep you from getting intubated because once you do, 95% of the time, you are not getting extubated.

My final patient is in her early 60s

She is wearing a high-flow nasal cannula receiving almost maximum fiO2 WITH a 15L non-rebreather on top. She is so hypoxic and confused she keeps ripping her masks off because she doesn’t know any better. Within minutes after she does, she turns dusky grey, as I frantically put my PPE on as quick as possible run in there to put it back on, while her one coherent thought is asking me if she is going to be OK. I keep begging the doctor for a BIPAP mask or intubation, but he is refusing. We both know where this will end if we do that.

As I care for my own patients, other patients around the unit are dropping like flies requiring more oxygen that we can’t give them. They go into cardiac arrest, stroke out, or throw pulmonary embolisms.

This is a nasty, ugly, disgusting disease.

All the while, family members are frantically calling, checking on their loved ones. They didn’t expect to lose them so drastically. Sure many of them are morbidly obese. Sure many of them have co-morbidities. But they sure as hell would not have been in this situation if it weren’t for COVID. All the while, all healthcare workers fear for our lives and health as we combat this invisible enemy, stuck in a role that we technically never signed up for.

I have never been more tired. Or Burnt out. I have never wanted to sleep so much. You pour your heart and soul into getting these people to breathe when all they do is die. I spend hours in these rooms, hanging antibiotics, administering antivirals, steroids, anticoagulants. Nothing helps. It is the same story every time. Once they cross a threshold, they will die.

End of story.

I do not feel like a hero. I would never want that title. None of us do. We want this to be over. We want this senseless suffering to stop.

If there’s one point of me sharing this gruesome experience, it is this. Please get vaccinated. Tell your loved ones to get vaccinated. We might not die, but we may experience long term health effects. We might not die, but we could potentially pass this virus along to someone who will. The sooner we get vaccinated, the sooner this nightmare will be over.

If you haven’t experienced the wrath of COVID firsthand, you are lucky. It is one of the worst things, if not the worst, and we will ever experience in our lifetimes.

My heart goes out to all of COVIDs victims and their families.

Do you have COVID Nurse experience?

Are you a travel nurse who has taken an assignment as a COVID nurse? Would you like to share that COVID nurse experience? Comment below or send an email to us here.

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.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Kevin Devoto

February 17, 2021

6095 Views

7 Places You Deserve To Travel to After Working Hard

Posted on February 17, 2021May 19, 2021 by Kevin Devoto

As a travel nurse, you work hard, so you deserve to play even harder. Traveling may be part of how you earn a living. Visiting new places when your only priority is fun is a very different experience. Although travel maybe a little more difficult these days, here are seven new places you deserve to travel to (when the world opens back up) as a reward for your hard work.

1. Western Europe

France sits at the top of the list as it claims the title of the world’s most visited country. Your options for traveling through France are almost endless as each region has different food, wine, culture, and climate to offer. Explore Paris’s museums and bistros, and then head wherever whimsy takes you.

The Loire Valley is perfect for discovering exquisite wines and chateaux. Another good choice is the sunny and glamorous Riviera.

2. The Pacific

Hawaii is an island paradise waiting for you in the Pacific Ocean. Because it’s the 50^th state, you don’t even need your passport if you’re coming from the US mainland! Divide your time between laying on the beach and trekking through rainforests and up volcanos. Hawaii is also a culinary mecca for fresh seafood, so be sure to indulge at least once.

3. North America

Alaska, the other non-contiguous US state, is known for national parks, glaciers, and the northern lights. Whether you fly into Anchorage or drive up through Canada’s Yukon Territory, be sure to dress for the season and your planned activities.

Animal lovers will also be amazed when they spot roaming brown bears or notice wolves running alongside their vehicle on the Denali Park Road. Cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage for an unforgettable voyage on the water. All-inclusive cruises are easy to find.

4. South America

Brazil beckons with its samba, Carnival, and caipirinhas. If you’re looking for a party, Brazil does it better than anywhere else. Brazil is also a nation of contrasts. There is a great disparity between the rich and poor, the bustling cities and the remote rainforest.

Traveling in Brazil is perfectly safe. You need to be aware of your surroundings and use good judgment. To get a full picture of this complex nation, have a blast in Rio, but go inland to see the primeval Amazon River.

5. Africa

Tanzania is the gem of East Africa. It is located just south of the equator and is home to one of the cradles of humanity, the Olduvai Gorge in the Rift Valley. Lake Victoria forms part of the nation’s northern border, and the Indian Ocean lies off the east coast. Tanzania also boasts the Serengeti Plain and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.

For the outdoors lover, Tanzania can’t be beaten. Contact one of the many local travel outfitters to organize the adventure of a lifetime.

6. Asia

China is a blend of massive modern cities and ancient culture. In Beijing, satisfy your craving for history at the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world. Next, visit Tiananmen Square to see Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the site of the deadly student-led protests of 1989.

Fortunately for travelers, most of eastern and central China are linked by high-speed rail, making exploring the country easy and efficient. Two must-see attractions on the train routes are the Terracotta Army in Xi’an and the giant pandas in Chengdu. Finally, finish your tour of China in Hong Kong with a delicious dim sum.

7. Central Europe

The Czech Republic is popular among ex-pat English teachers for good reason. The central European country has a rich culture while remaining budget-friendly. In Prague, wander around the Old Town Square and visit Prague Castle, part of which dates from the 9^th century!

The Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other nation on the planet. Most of that beer is made locally, which should give you a clue to the fact that they make great beer. Have a glass or two of pilsner to celebrate your travels.

You gladly give your all when you’re on the job. Take some time off and see the world and new places. You deserve it!

What do you think of our list of new places to travel to? Are there any places you have visited that you feel should make 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.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

February 16, 2021

14086 Views

7 Useful Things Nurses Need to Bring on a Shift

Posted on February 16, 2021April 29, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

As a travel nurse, you’re used to being busy during your shifts. This is why working with an agency that supports you and prioritizes your well-being is important, as it will help you deal with the stress that can create. However, you might also get stressed when you can’t find something when you need it. That’s why it’s a good idea to be as prepared as possible. Keeping these nursing essentials on hand will help you keep going throughout your travel nurse shift, even when things get a little hectic.

Extra Pens/Permanent Markers

Most travel nurses agree that you can never have enough extra pens and permanent markers. These are always important to have but can be easy to misplace or lose in the craziness of a shift. Bringing extras with you will ensure you always have one when you need it. Try to find pens and markers that you can easily attach to things like your badge, scrubs, or clipboards, as this will help you keep track of them. Frixion pens can be good to use since they’re erasable and let you easily color-code your patients.

Bandage Scissors

Keeping bandage scissors on hand is great because of how versatile they are, as they’ll be able to cut through just about anything. Keeping a pair with you will mean that you won’t have to try and find some scissors to use should you need to cut something. Instead, you can take care of the issue and keep things running smoothly.

Extra Scrubs/Clothes

Unfortunately, being a travel nurse can be a bit of a messy job. Since you won’t want to go through your shift with dirty scrubs, having a backup pair in your locker is great, so you can quickly change on the fly. The same goes for bringing a backup pair of socks and shoes- wearing ones that are messy or uncomfortable not only feels bad but can be dangerous as well. If you have longer hair, extra hair ties will also be useful.

Lotion & Chapstick

All the hand washing you do as a nurse will dry your hands out very quickly. With how annoying this can be, having lotion with you will help keep your hands moisturized and healthy. Since hospitals also tend to be rather cold and dry, try to keep some Chapstick with you, too, when your lips get chapped.

Snacks & Water

Keeping your energy levels up is crucial when you’re on the job. However, finding the time to sit down and eat isn’t always easy. Keeping something small to snack on, like a granola bar, is perfect for those times when you need a pick-me-up. Bringing a water bottle with you will also help keep you hydrated, even as you’re moving back and forth across the hospital. You might want to keep some gum in your pockets, too, so you can keep your breath nice and clean.

Phone Chargers

After a long shift, coming back to a dead phone is always a bummer, so bringing a phone charger with you will make sure that won’t happen. Having a charged phone is always useful, especially when you’re in a new area and are still getting the lay of the land.

Spare Toiletries/OTC Medicine

It helps to have a way to freshen up during or after an especially tough shift. That is why travel nurses will bring things like deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush to their shifts. This gives them a chance to feel nice and refreshed and is particularly helpful if you’ve got a long shift. As for dealing with the aches and pains that come with the job, bringing some ibuprofen is a great solution.

When it comes to travel nursing, it’s key to prepare ahead of time. Bringing useful items like these with you will help you power through the day, even when things get hectic. Do you have any useful items you bring to your travel nurse shifts that didn’t make our list? Comment them below.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By The Gypsy Nurse

February 13, 2021

10419 Views

Top 5 Tips For Dealing With Difficult Patients While Travel Nursing

Posted on February 13, 2021December 20, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Dealing with difficult patients is a skill. Whether you are new to the nursing scene, or a seasoned vet, you know that there are just some patients that push you a little (or a lot) over the edge some days. Most of the time, we are pretty easy going and know to expect the unexpected, especially if you are an ER nurse. Here are tips for dealing with difficult patients while travel nursing that you can think about when you or your patient are having one of those days.

Use these tips to be a PRO at Dealing With Difficult Patients

Listen

Whether your difficult patient is in for something minor or something major, sometimes they just want to be heard. Just a moment to make eye contact and hear them out with all their complaints, doubts, anger, etc. This could be a way of expressing how nervous or scared they are about what may or may not be happening. One of our Gypsy’s put it best on Facebook, “Listen, and listen some more. If a patient has a complaint about a previous nurse, often better to just listen, then obtain the presence of the charge nurse or supervisor, or if the facility has a patient liaison or representative. A lot of times, they just need to be heard. Never make excuses.”

Respond

It’s typical after a long day or even a long week to have a short fuse. Nurse or not, we are all guilty of this from time to time. Although for you, it may seem like a no-brainer, sometimes all they need is for someone to hear them out and respond with patience and kindness. Assure them that they will have all their questions answered and even ask if anything needs to be clarified. This may take a bit longer for some, but in the long haul will result in a better, more satisfying stay for both.

Ask

“Ask when you can’t find something, ask when you don’t understand them, ask for help if you need it, ask if you can help them, ask the patient questions, it’s okay to show emotion to your patient, it’s okay to sit and cry with them. Sitting down next to them for 30 seconds makes it feel like you spent 5-10
minutes with them sometimes. Share yourself with patients and their families.” This can mean the world to your patients and the lives they touch by a simple act of compassion. Showing the patient that you’re human, too, with a little bit of humility can go a long way in calming them down as well.

Kill them with kindness

Biting your tongue can be hard. It’s not always going to be a difficult patient that is just hurt or confused, or frustrated. Sometimes you just plain cannot calm them down or talk sense into them. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s perhaps something they’ve ingested that is making them act that way. For all involved, at times, it may be best for the sake of your own sanity to kill them with kindness. Even at your highest stress level, at least you can leave with no remorse in your actions and may even be able to get a laugh out of it down the road.

If all else fails, be honest

When you have tried and tried, and nothing seems to work, be sure you abide by the policy and let the patient know, calmly, the consequences of their actions if they proceed. Making sure you have documentation of what you’ve done or tried to do, as well as any documentation they may need to fill out to leave AMA, etc., it’s best to have all your ducks in a row. It may be that “gentle” nudge to show them that you care, but respect is expected both ways.

Take-Away

How do travel nurses deal with difficult patients?

Listen, Respond, Ask Question, Kill them with kindness, and if all else fails…be honest.

We hope these tips for dealing with difficult patient helps you regroup your thoughts after a rough day, make you feel like you’re not alone on these crazy days, or even help if you’re new to the game. We love hearing your thoughts and what works best for you! Comment below with your best advice to share with the gypsy community!

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.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Titan Medical

February 12, 2021

4983 Views

Heart-Healthy Foods to Keep you Healthy

Posted on February 12, 2021January 26, 2023 by Titan Medical

This article was provided by Titan Medical.

Each year hundreds and thousands of people lose their life due to heart disease. This Valentine’s Day, focus on your heart and keeping yourself healthy! Here are some heart-healthy food tips that’ll keep both your tummy and heart happy!

Heart-Healthy Foods

1) Whole Grains

Whole grains are another great heart-healthy food. Grains are made up of three important parts that contain an abundance of nutrients: bran, endosperm, and germ. High nutrient grains include oats, whole wheat, quinoa, rye, and brown rice.

An analysis of 45 studies showed eating more than three servings of grain a day significantly lowered the risk of heart disease by nearly 22%.

2) Berries

Berries such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are filled with heart-healthy nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants that protect against stress and inflammation, leading to heart disease development. Making berries a perfect heart-healthy food.

Berries serve as a great compliment to whole grain breakfast cereal or a low-calorie dessert. Take advantage of these multi-purpose, healthy sweet treats that are great alone or paired with other dishes!

3) Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants such as flavonoids, which boosts heart health. Making this the perfect heart-healthy food. Eating dark chocolate can lower your risk of coronary heart disease and reduce the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries.

It is important to watch the calories, and sugar amount in the chocolate you consume as that can take away from some of the heart-healthy benefits.

4) Fish

Tuna, salmon, and sardines are just a few of the fishes filled with omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to heart-health.

Those who eat fatty fish multiple times a week for an extended period see their blood pressure decrease and lower cholesterol levels. If you are not one to eat fish, you can take a fish oil supplement that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and will give your body the nutrients it needs. Fish is an all-around great heart-healthy food.

5) Leafy Greens & Vegetables

Eating plenty of Kale and Spinach will fill your body with lots of vitamins and antioxidants. They are also known to lower blood pressure with the help of dietary nitrates.

Another vegetable high in antioxidants are tomatoes. Tomatoes lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol and help eliminate plaque built up in arteries preventing heart disease and stroke.

We hope you found this list of heart-healthy food helpful. Are there any other heart-healthy foods you have found that you think should be on our list? Comment them below.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

The obvious…TRAVEL

Flexible schedule

Great Pay

Making new friends

Nurses are more needed than ever

Adventurous lifestyle

Always learning

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

6 Tips to Get Better Sleep

7 Useful Things Nurses Need to Bring on a Shift

The Long Distance Relationship Survival Kit For Travel Nurses

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Now let’s talk about time!

So now you have your mat, two dumbbells, day and time, what else!

Sign up for challenges

30 mins is all you need to take care of you

Confused of what workouts to do?

Want more information on travel nursing?

Related Posts

Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring CNA Travel – Top Agencies and Earnings Insights

Travel Nurses Stay Fit While Exploring: Running Tours

The Importance of Annual Eye Appointments

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Surviving a Disastrous Travel Nurse Assignment

Find a Friend

Cross off the days!

Make the most of your off days!

Have a drink

Keep Your Recruiter Updated

Related Posts

Preparing for a Cold Weather Travel Assignment

Substance Abuse in Travel Nursing: Part 2

Combating Anxiety While Caring for Chronically Sick Patients

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

What makes a high-energy meal?

Customized power bowls

Chicken with cauliflower rice

Hearty vegetarian chili with butternut squash

Chicken shawarma bowl

Related Posts

Pay Rates: A Changing Trend

An Interview with Angie Nasr, Medely Co-Founder, and CNO

Travel Rates Explained

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

A day in the life of a COVID Nurse

I take a deep breath and put on my N95 mask

The first man is in his 70s.

My other lady is in her 80s.

The other woman is Spanish and in her 60s.

My final patient is in her early 60s

This is a nasty, ugly, disgusting disease.

End of story.

Do you have COVID Nurse experience?

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

How to Travel Every Other Week as a Travel Nurse

Opportunity Knocks for Travel Nurses

Travel Nurses and PTSD: The Effects COVID Has Had on Travel Nurses

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

1. Western Europe

2. The Pacific

3. North America