January 17, 2021

71460 Views

Travel Nurse Housing: Where am I going to Live?

Posted on January 17, 2021December 20, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

3 Travel Nurse Housing Options

What are the housing options for travel nurses? There are 3 travel nurse housing options to consider when asking the question Where am I going to live?

Agency Provided Housing
Securing your own travel nurse housing with a ‘stipend’
Travel in an RV

Travel Nurse Housing Tax Implications

It’s important to understand that no matter which housing option you opt for, you must have a valid tax-home to obtain ‘free’ housing. If you do not have a tax-home, your housing costs should be taxed as income. Many agencies will not tell you this.

PART I: Agency Provided Housing

Overview

With agency provided housing, the agency takes care of everything for you, from deposits (excluding any pet deposits), utilities, and furnishing. All you should have to do is show up. Your housing should be ‘move-in ready.’ Sometimes the internet or cable TV are not included. You may have to arrange this on your own if you need/want it. Ask the agency if this is included. Many Agencies provide housing in hotels, motels, and extended stay type properties. These can vary greatly. It’s important to ask what type of housing and where and do your research.

Additionally, if you are taking company-provided housing, it’s important to know what is actually included in the companies description of ‘furnished.’ ‘Furnished’ can mean a wide variety of different things to different people. I discussed the importance of clarifying what is ‘furnished’ in a previous post, so I won’t rehash it here.

Questions to Ask about your Travel Nurse Housing

In addition to knowing what is furnished in your company provided housing, here is a list of other questions about housing that you might find helpful.

What type of property do you provide? Apartment. Hotel. Etc.
What amenities does the apartment/housing offer? I.e., fitness center, pool, business center (fax, copy, print).
Is parking provided? Is there a fee? Will the company cover?
The time frame for move-in and move-out. Most companies will give you a day or two on both ends of the contract.
Contact information for housing.
Microwave, TV, Vacuum, provided? (don’t assume that your housing will include these items)
Address of the housing?

To-Do Before You Move Into your Agency Provided Travel Nurse Housing

The following is a “To Do” list to help you ease into your agency provided travel nurse housing smoothly:

Obtain the housing’s address and contact information and call them yourself to confirm your arrival date and time.
Research the area before your move. Use the internet. There are many internet resources to check on crime rates, locations, police blotters, etc. Use these resources, and if you find any information that might be concerning to you, notify your recruiter and request a different housing assignment if appropriate.
On arrival at the location, drive around the neighborhood and assess the safety. Does it appear to be a safe neighborhood?
Obtain a copy of the lease.
Obtain the after-hours maintenance/emergency contact information. (Sometimes this is included in your lease)
If you travel with a pet, request a copy of the pet rules. (You may have to sign a pet waiver).
Make sure to do a pre-inspection of the apartment as soon as you arrive. I would suggest that you also take photos of any damages and make sure that the manager is aware of and noted on your lease.
Check that all windows and doors latch and lock securely.
Most importantly, see this full list of what to check on arrival at your travel nurse housing.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Agency Provided Travel Nurse Housing

Advantages

You don’t have to spend countless hours trying to find adequate and affordable travel nurse housing.
The lease is not in your name, so there are no credit checks required from the accommodation (*usually).
Many times you are actually treated better by the apartment staff when going through a large company. (They want you happy so they can get long-term business).
You are not responsible for monthly payments.
If housing is limited in the area, you might actually get better housing using the agency’s resources.

Disadvantages

You have little to no control over the location and type of housing provided.

Travel Nurse Housing Options

READ PART II: Securing your own travel nurse housing with a ‘stipend’

READ PART III: Travel in an RV

Looking for Travel Nurse Housing?
CLICK HERE for the most up to date Travel Nurse housing resources.

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By Amber Pickler

January 16, 2021

12987 Views

10 Tips for Your First 12-Hour Travel Nurse Night Shift

Posted on January 16, 2021November 10, 2023 by Amber Pickler

Travel nursing can be hard, add working a 12-hour night shift for the first time and it can prove to be even more difficult. This is always a hot topic in our Facebook network group. We have compiled the most popular ways to survive your first 12-hour travel nurse night shift.

Drink Coffee-

This may not work for everyone. Caffeine doesn’t have the same affect on every person. However, for those that it does help boost them, this would be a great option. Just be sure to not use too much sugar in your coffee, because contrary to popular belief sugar can cause an energy crash. So, while you may get a boost from caffeine the energy crash could outweigh the caffeine.

Water-

While some people believe that coffee is the key to staying awake during your first 12-hour travel nurse night shift. However, for those who do not like coffee, or it doesn’t wake them up, water may be a better option. Dehydration leads to fatigue because it impacts the flow of oxygen to the brain and causes your heart to work harder to pump oxygen to all your bodily organs, making you more tired and less alert. By staying hydrated you stay energized. Being energized will help keep you awake for your night shift. Water is the best drink to keep you hydrated. If you don’t like water, try putting some type of water flavoring in it. Just make sure it isn’t full of sugar because as previous stated it can cause you to crash.

Appointments-

You may not even think about your work schedule when making appointments. However, because you work night shift it is important to keep that in mind when making appointments. When making appointments, stick to the early mornings so you can go as close to the end of your shift as possible. If this isn’t possible try to get a late afternoon or early evening appointment. Having a mid-afternoon or early evening appointment makes it difficult to get a decent amount of uninterrupted sleep before your night shift.

Sleep as late in the day as possible-

Try to sleep as late in the day before your first travel nurse night shift. This may mean staying up later the night before and getting your sleep closer to your night shift. If you aren’t able to sleep during the day, you can try a sleep aid. There are many options of over the counter sleep aids, including melatonin. Melatonin comes in natural and synthetic forms. If these don’t do the trick you may need to talk to your doctor about a prescription sleep aid until you get used to the night shift life.

Exercise in the evening-

This is another option that may not work for everyone. While some people get a boost of energy from exercising, it may make others tired. For many working out gives them a boost of energy and gets them going for the night shift. Exercising releases endorphins which can give you a boost of energy. For some they even do some light exercising while at work on night shift. A couple ideas of easy exercise to do at work includes arm circles, jumping jacks, walking the unit and lunges. There are many more you can do but this just give you an idea to get started.

Keep sleep schedule-

Try to maintain your sleep schedule for night shifts even when you aren’t working. On days you aren’t working, sleep during the day and try to stay awake for as much of the night as possible. Our readers also suggest that you start your new sleep schedule before you start working the night shift. Many suggest a week before your first day. This will give you time to get used to your sleep schedule before you absolutely have to be on that schedule.

Black out curtains-

Black out curtains are always a popular suggestion from our members for travel nurses starting to work night shift. Our bodies are meant to sleep when it is dark, so trying to sleep during the day in daylight will make it that much harder to get used to your new sleep schedule. Black curtains come in many different styles and some will completely block out light while others will block out most of it. The heavier duty ones also help keep the heat and cold out, as well as can help buffer some sounds.

Stay active-

This is by far the most popular tip for surviving your first 12-hour travel nurse night shift. There are many ways to keep active while working. Walking the unit is a popular option. Light cleaning or stocking carts are other great options. Just staying up and on your feet will help you fight fatigue, like exercising this can give you a little boost of energy to keep you going.

Healthy snacks-

Healthy snacks at night can help keep you awake. Try to stay away from foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. According to The Washington Post “the quick spike in your blood sugar from eating junk foods high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can cause a surge in insulin, leading to a quick drop in blood sugar. That leaves you feeling tired, cranky and hungry for more.”

If you are looking for suggestions of healthy foods to snack on during your night shift here are a few ideas to get you started.

Green Tea
Protein (jerky, boiled eggs and cheese are a few examples)
Chocolate (dark chocolate is best)
Fruits (Oranges, pineapples, strawberries and bananas are great options)
Whole grain foods (try whole grain toast with peanut butter on top)

Nap before work-

If you aren’t able to stay awake for a period of time after your night shift it is in your best interest to get up earlier and then take a nap before your shift starts. Power naps are a great option for night shift travel nurses.

To get the most out of a power snooze, follow these quick tips from Mednick:

Be consistent. Keep a regular nap schedule. Prime napping time falls in the middle of the day, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Make it quick. Set your cell phone alarm for 30 minutes or less if you don’t want to wake up groggy.
Go dark. Nap in a dark room or wear an eye mask. Blocking out light helps you fall asleep faster.
Stay warm. Stash a blanket nearby to put over you because your body temperature drops while you snooze.

Power napping before your first travel nurse shift will give you a little kick to start your shift.

We hope that these tips help you with your first travel nurse night first, or any night shift for that matter. These tips are just to get your started, you may find ways that work better for you. If you have any other tips or tricks for working night shift comment them below.

If you would like some information on self-care to keep your mind and body at its best these articles have some 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!)

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By Rebecca Metzler

January 15, 2021

8315 Views

Reservation Travel Nursing In a Pandemic

Posted on January 15, 2021May 19, 2021 by Rebecca Metzler

I walked through the hospital doors feeling a bit nervous. Today was my first day on the job. The roof had large window cut-outs, exposing the blue sky. Statues and paintings of Native Americans were displayed throughout the lobby. Women and men were photographed in native clothes, beautiful thick braids below their waist. The land surrounding the hospital was flat and expansive. I got my badge laminated together and headed to the outpatient department, where I would be working for the next 13 weeks.

COVID-19 and Native Americans

A few months ago, I heard on the news how COVID-19 was devastatingly affecting the Native American communities in Northern Arizona. One of my friends was actually working in the inpatient department at the hospital. She told me what it was like living on the reservation and how the hospital needed more nurses. At the time, I was working as a public health nurse in Austin. I had no idea there were clinic nurse travel positions. I thought traveling was limited to hospital nursing. But after reaching out to a recruiter and filling out a ton of paperwork… there I was! 13 hours from home, in the middle of the Navajo reservation with 2 suitcases and 4 jugs of water.

Barriers they face

For the next 13 weeks, I spent the weekdays in the outpatient department and doing drive-thru covid testing. I soon learned some of the barriers this community faced in the presence of COVID-19. Multi-generation family living accelerated the spread of the virus in households. The prevalence of chronic illnesses among the population made it harder for locals to fight and recover from COVID-19. As a result, many people lost loved ones. It was hard on the community and the hospital. So I worked alongside my team, lessening the spread of COVID-19 through education, testing, providing resources for essential supplies, and any other way we could.

The majority of my coworkers were local and permanent employees.

They would tell stories about growing up on the reservation, showed me videos of the different dances they perform for ceremonies. One day, a coworker pulled a piece of corn out of her bag and handed it to me. “I smoked these over the weekend. Do you want one?” I smiled and took a piece. I really enjoyed the contrast to my typical work. Patients were curious, “You must be new here. Where are you from? How do you like living out here?” they would ask. Everyone knew everyone around town, and I was a new face.

The pandemic kept me from knowing my neighbors well.

A simple wave on the side of the streets as we walk past 6 ft apart. But I found ways to entertain myself. On the weekends, I would slip my Nikes on in the morning and go pet the horses behind my house. I would go on hikes, climb up on the giant boulders overlooking the scenery around. You could see the sandy dirt for miles, shrubs decorating the sides of the canyons. In the evening, I would sip on tea, maybe read an old western. Get a soda from the one gas station nearby, drop off some letters at the post office.

There is a peacefulness that exists out there.

I have always been attracted to that. To live somewhere remote, farther from wifi and the accessibility to the things I claim to “need.” It would annoy me at times, but it was an opportunity to see how other people live. I had to buy jugs of water to drink because their water source is contaminated with uranium and arsenic. I had to buy groceries in bulk because it took 2 hours to get there. And inevitably, I would forget something, lettuce or dish soap.

I truly appreciate my time on the Navajo reservation.

I watched sunsets behind the canyon, saw how the pink sky painted the landscape. Saw birds perch on the telephone pole wires, chirping away every evening. Giant ants were crawling on the cemented sidewalks as I walked into work. I learned what the difference between a crow and a raven was. I was welcomed with generosity and learned from the locals. In turn, I was able to contribute my nursing abilities.

I would encourage other nurses to take IHS contracts.

I want to encourage other nurses to take an IHS or other remote contracts. To work with communities that need assistance, especially during COVID-19. I do not in the slightest believe I am now well-versed in Native American culture. I am only beginning to dive in, but I have an awareness I would not otherwise have. An awareness that will continue to influence how I nurse, maybe even the future jobs I pursue. Working on the Navajo reservation caused me to expand my understanding of cultures (especially in the United States) and the barriers underserved communities face. So take a chance, Go on an adventure to a whole other world. You will grow in ways you never imagined.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

January 14, 2021

7957 Views

Becoming a Travel Nurse During COVID-19

Posted on January 14, 2021May 19, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

There’s no job out there that’s quite like being a travel nurse. As a traveler, you get to experience new places, learn a wide variety of new skills, and enjoy a lot of flexibility, all while helping patients around the country. That’s why it’s no surprise that there are so many new travel nurses who decide to take the plunge at the start of each year!

However, with COVID-19, many would-be travel nurses have some new questions and concerns about getting started. Therefore, it’s important to know what it takes to get started as a travel nurse in the midst of COVID-19. While many things have remained the same, some have changed that are good to be aware of. By doing so, you’ll help ensure that you get your new career started on the right foot.

Getting Started

Important Requirements

Going from being a nurse to a travel nurse isn’t all that complex, but there are a few important prerequisites that you should make sure you meet ahead of time. First, most facilities look for nurses who already have at least one or two years of experience. Certain specialized units, like ICU, may require more experience. You’ll also want to make sure that you have the appropriate credentials.

Aside from having an active RN license, along with Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications, you’ll also need to make sure you have the right state licensure. Now, if your home state is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, then you’ll have what’s known as a compact license. This means your license will be good in any other compact state. If your home state isn’t a part of that program, or the state you want to travel to isn’t, then you’ll need to make sure you get the right licenses. This leads to the next important step…

Finding an Agency

It’s key that you work with a travel nurse agency that will have your back and support you not just as you start traveling but for as long as you plan to do so. A good agency with friendly, knowledgeable recruiters and a dedicated clinical team made up of nurses can help you solve issues that might come up on an assignment and help avoid any in the first place!

For instance, they can help you make sure you have the correct licensure, that it’s all up to date, and that any related expenses are covered. A good agency can also provide other benefits, like travel reimbursement, day one paid sick leave, pay guarantees, and opportunities to continue your education. They can even help you find and pay for housing and navigate tax codes. Working with an agency that cares about you can really make all the difference when you begin to travel!

Prepare to Travel

Once you’ve found your agency, it’s time to plan out your first assignment. During this time, don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter a lot of questions. Your recruiter will be an important part of your traveling career, so it’s important to find one that you feel comfortable talking to and trusting with your career goals. After you’ve done that, start thinking about where you want to go and where you’d like to work and tell your recruiter. That way, they can help you begin to search for an assignment that fits what you’re looking for.

Once you find a posting that fits and apply to it, the next step will usually be a short interview with someone at the hospital, mainly to cover hospital procedures and to make sure everything sounds good to you. Should it all go well and they offer you a contract, then congrats! You’re now on your way to your first of many assignments.

COVID-19 Considerations

As you can see, getting started as a travel nurse really isn’t all that complex, especially when you’re working with the right agency. Still, COVID-19 has created a few changes in the travel nurse process and experience that are good to be aware of. Some things to consider are:

Licensure Changes

Some states are currently either relaxing or waiving certain laws they may have about licensing to make it easier for nurses to travel to them, in particular non-compact states. There are also temporary licenses, allowing a nurse to take on an assignment as they wait for their permanent license. Working with an agency that is up-to-date about these changing licensure requirements will help you figure out what assignments are open to you and avoid any conflicts.

Auto-offers

With COVID-19, auto-offers from hospitals have become increasingly common. While this can speed up the process, many nurses don’t have a chance to talk directly with someone from the hospital. In these cases, it’s good to ask any questions you may have had for the hospital to your recruiter, so they can help find answers for you.

Finding Housing

It may also be a bit trickier to find housing because of COVID-19. Some places may have more limited options available due to either decreased demand or COVID-19 restrictions. An agency’s housing team can make it easier to find places available in the area you’re traveling to, along with helping you cover some of the initial costs to make everything smoother.

PPE and the Hospital Environment

Hospitals all across the country are using much stricter PPE standards to keep patients and nurses alike safe from COVID-19. Therefore, when you find an assignment that you’re interested in, it’s good to ask your recruiter or the hospital’s representative during your interview about their PPE practices. You’d also want to ask about any other sort of similar practices like distancing measures or cleaning procedures and to be kept in the loop about any changes made before you start. That way, you’re prepared ahead of time and can keep those policies in mind when you start your assignment.

Avoiding Burnout

It can be tough sometimes to adjust to how a hospital handles things, especially if it’s different from what you’re accustomed to. Add that COVID-19 has required doctors, nurses, and other frontline workers to be constantly moving and working during their shifts, and the risk of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out is much higher than usual. This means it’s important to take care of yourself when on assignment. Don’t be afraid to reach out to co-workers, your recruiter, or your agency’s clinical team for help. The latter two, in particular, can help give you advice on how to best deal with your situation and direct you to some good resources for getting these feelings off your chest. Remember too that you can take some time off in-between assignments should you feel you need it!

Are you planning to become a travel nurse during COVID-19? What pushed you toward this decision? We would love to hear from you. Comment 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!)

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Nancy Howard

January 13, 2021

10650 Views

6 Nursing Apps for Travel Nurses and Nursing Students

Posted on January 13, 2021November 10, 2023 by Nancy Howard

Modern medical professionals need to stay updated with the latest developments, innovations, and discoveries in this area. There are many specialized sites, dental blogs, medical journals, and even specialized nursing apps. This article will focus on the latter.

However, with such a variety of different nursing apps, travel nurses and students can be misled. Therefore, below you will find the best applications that will help with your professional development and education.

Top 6 Nursing Apps for Travel Nurses and Students

Whether you are a student or already working as a travel nurse, there are some apps to help you get better. Some tools allow you to broaden your knowledge, prepare for exams, while other apps are responsible for workflow planning. Below you will find 6 nursing apps that are a must-have for all travel nurses and medical students.

1. PEPID PEDS

Pros

Available for both IOS, Android, and PC.
Allows for a more accurate diagnosis statement.
There is a lot of detailed information on patient care.

Cons

The only drawback is the cost of the app. There is a trial period here.

It can be safely noted that this application is a must-have for both students, nurses, and doctors. In this app, each specialist can find the information they need to make a more accurate diagnosis or find answers to questions.

For students, there are complete discipline guidance, clinical practice, and even laboratory exercises. The tool is paid, but in fact, the fee is charged for a year, and from this perspective, this application looks more affordable.

2. Epocrates

Pros

Availability of a wide database of information in the field of pharmacology.
The availability of a free version of the app is sufficient for students and novice nurses.
The application can work offline. It is available for IOS and Android.

Cons

While the free version offers many options, a premium membership will be a better option for healthcare practitioners.

In this application, you can find all the information on each drug, interactions between drugs, and in-depth clinical guidelines. There is also a “Pill ID” feature with the help of which the nurse may quickly get all the data about the drug. Thus, nurses can avoid mistakes in patient care, and students can better prepare for exams with this tool.

3. NCLEX RN Mastery

Pros

There is a free version, but with in-app purchases.
Available on both iOS and Android.
This app is a good trainer to prepare for an exam.

Cons

There are no obvious disadvantages.

This app is a good option for those who want to prepare well for the NCLEX RN exam. There are hundreds of tests in this app to check the knowledge. You can not only test your knowledge but also fill in the gaps that can become an obstacle to successfully passing the exam. If you do not answer the test correctly, you will receive a detailed explanation of this issue, and thus, avoid the mistake next time.

4. WebMD

Pros

There are a lot of helpful resources for students and nurses.
The application is available for free for both Android and iOS.

Cons

In most cases of diagnosis checks, this application will suggest “cancer”. This feature can confuse students and nurses.

This is an app of the famous resource of the same name. All publications and resources of the official site are available in this application. Here, both students and nurses can find useful information regarding medical practice, pharmacology, and other topics in the field of health. It is also known for allowing patients to receive information in simple words rather than complex medical terminology.

5. NurseGrid

Pros

The ability to have a work schedule at hand.
The ability to view the schedule of colleagues and communicate within the platform.
Available for both iOS and Android.

Cons

Customer support can take a long time to respond.

It is a good tool for nurses and students to plan work schedules and communicate. Here you can create a schedule for the entire work shift to be aware of who is at work. This app provides internal communication between nurses. It is a good time and task management tool for medical professionals.

6. Med Mnemoni c s

Pros

A good knowledge base for both students and healthcare practitioners.
There are tips on how to memorize information faster.
Users note the real benefits of using the application.

Cons

The tool is paid ($2). However, this symbolic sum is difficult to consider as a crucial drawback.

This app is designed to help experts and students quickly memorize complex medical terminology. There are a variety of tips and about 1600 abbreviations to help you quickly understand diagnoses or terms. There are all sections of topics that are useful for both travel nurses and students. This educational tool will be useful for all users.

Conclusion

Choose the best apps that will help you both in education and at work. A busy schedule sometimes does not allow you to develop and study further, but apps allow you to do this at any free minute. Download any of the tools above and start improving your knowledge and skills right now.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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By Medical Staffing Solutions, LLC

January 12, 2021

7164 Views

Healthy Snacks on the Go for Travel Nurses

Posted on January 12, 2021May 19, 2021 by Medical Staffing Solutions, LLC

This article was provided by Medical Staffing Solution LLC.

As a healthcare professional, it can be hard to eat healthy when running and to work long shifts. But, taking care of yourself is so important when you’re taking care of others. You don’t want to get run-down. To help you snack well and keep your energy up, we wanted to share these 10 energy-boosting healthy snacks with you.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are packed full of protein, fiber, and potassium. In addition to filling you up, they can help control diabetes and blood pressure. Along with all the other nutrients, the iron and calcium in chickpeas contribute to bone health. Roasted chickpeas are an easy way to get your snack fix.

Trail Mix

This delightfully tasty mix of dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, and grains. Buy pre-packaged or create your own that is tailored to your tastes. The protein in the fruits and nuts will help fill you up and give you an energy boost, while the chocolate can help satisfy your sweet tooth. Add in some roasted chickpeas. It is important to remember to eat your trail mix in moderation. Trail mixes are high in calories. Remember, too much of anything is not a good thing.

Jerky

Made from beef, chicken, or turkey, jerky is a quick portable snack that’s loaded with protein. Just make sure if you are buying jerky that you check for added sugars or salt.

Greek Yogurt

A single-serving of Greek yogurt packs a lot of protein into a small container. Add in berries packed with lots of nutrients and fiber to help fill you up and aid in your digestion. The calcium in yogurt is another boost for your bone health.

Pumpkin Seeds

No access to the fridge? No problem. Keep a little packet of pumpkin seeds for a quick snack. Just a ⅔ cup can give you 8 grams of protein. They are also loaded with fiber, vitamin k, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and many antioxidants. Studies have shown that diets rich in pumpkin seeds have been associated with reducing the risk of certain cancers, improving prostate, bladder, and heart health, and lowering blood sugar levels. And this amazing snack does not require refrigeration.

Peanut Butter and Apples

Apples contain a whole slew of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C, K, copper, manganese, and potassium), are high in fiber, and are just good for your health in general. Peanut butter is protein-rich, high in healthy fats, and chocked full of vitamins and minerals. A quick apple and peanut butter snack will help fill you up and give you an energy boost to get you through your shift.

Almonds

Almonds, too, are loaded with nutrients even in just a small handful. They are high in protein and fiber and low in carbs, making them a great option if you have diabetes. Packed with magnesium – almost half your daily requirements in just one serving, almonds can assist with blood sugar control and benefits blood pressure levels. Plus, they fill you up.

Cheesy Popcorn

Popcorn alone is a yummy, easy healthy snack that will help fill you up. But, give yourself an energy boost by adding on some parmesan cheese for protein.

String Cheese

It’s hard to believe that nutritionists will approve processed food, but string cheese actually makes their list. String cheese provides your carbs and protein for energy and calcium for strong bones. Add veggie sticks or fruit to your snack for an extra boost.

Veggie Sticks

No list of healthy snacks would be complete without veggie sticks. Pack yourself a handful of carrot and celery sticks. Snack on them with peanut butter or yogurt for a protein boost. These veggies are loaded with antioxidants, potassium, and numerous other vitamins and minerals.

High-protein healthy snacks are valuable to you as a strike nurse to ensure you can stay full until mealtime and avoid any “hanger” issues that can arise while you’re working. Keeping a small selection on-hand will make it easier for you to grab a quick bite, even when time is short.

APPLY FOR TRAVEL NURSING JOBS TODAY TO GET STARTED ON YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURE!

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

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By Furnished Finder

January 11, 2021

49342 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!)

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By Bethany Manas

January 9, 2021

29583 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!)

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“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

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By Amber Pickler

January 7, 2021

17496 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!

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“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

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3 Travel Nurse Housing Options

What are the housing options for travel nurses? There are 3 travel nurse housing options to consider when asking the question Where am I going to live?

Travel Nurse Housing Tax Implications

PART I: Agency Provided Housing

Overview

Questions to Ask about your Travel Nurse Housing

To-Do Before You Move Into your Agency Provided Travel Nurse Housing

Advantages and Disadvantages of Agency Provided Travel Nurse Housing

Travel Nurse Housing Options

Looking for Travel Nurse Housing?CLICK HERE for the most up to date Travel Nurse housing resources.

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Drink Coffee-

Water-

Appointments-

Sleep as late in the day as possible-

Exercise in the evening-

Keep sleep schedule-

Black out curtains-

Stay active-

Healthy snacks-

Nap before work-

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

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

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

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1. PEPID PEDS

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Looking for Travel Nurse Housing?
CLICK HERE for the most up to date Travel Nurse housing resources.

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