By Lirika Hart

October 2, 2020

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7 Benefits of Regular And Daily Physical Activity

Do you want to feel good, increase your energy, and even improve the quality of your life? Just engage in regular and daily physical activity. The different physical activities that you can do include power walking, jogging, running, swimming, dancing, and bike riding, just to name a few. Being physically active allows you to enjoy a variety of benefits. It may even add a couple of years to your quality life.

Here are 7 benefits you can reap from engaging in consistent and daily physical activity.

1. Keeps Body Weight in Check

 Being active enables you to be in great shape. It helps you keep excess fats away or maintain weight loss by burning calories. To burn more calories, consider increasing the intensity of the activity. Despite going to the gym, you can start doing some exercise while going to work. Let’s say, if you work in a co-working space that offers a place to leave your bike, you can definitely ride to the office. This will enable you to have some physical activity twice per day while going to and coming back from work. On the other hand, going to the gym regularly is an excellent way to stay physically active. But if you can’t squeeze time into your schedule due to work obligations or other personal reasons, just strive to remain active throughout the day. Use the stairs rather than the elevator and take a brisk walk during coffee and lunch breaks. Above all, remember consistency is the key to reaping the maximum benefits of physical activity.

2. Builds and Maintains Healthy Bones and Muscles

Consistent and daily exercise helps you build and maintain strong bones and muscles. Lifting weights and riding a bike coupled with sufficient protein intake can encourage muscle building. If you’re considering cycling as your go-to activity for maintaining your musculoskeletal health, you might be interested in investing in electric bike kits to integrate on your normal bike, which will give you a new cycling experience while you at the same time build your muscle mass and stamina.

With age, people experience loss of muscle mass and function, putting them at high risk of injuries and physical impairments. Consistent physical activity plays an important role in lowering muscle loss and improving your strength even as you age. It also helps you strengthen your bones and maintain bone density.

3. Boosts Mood

A host of studies show that regular physical activity can be a great mood booster. It can combat feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression by stimulating changes in the sections of the brain responsible for controlling anxiety and stress. It can also stimulate numerous brain chemicals, which may make you happier, calmer, and less anxious.

4. Brings Back the Spark in Your Sex Life

 Are you struggling to enjoy physical intimacy? In addition to increasing your energy levels, continuous and daily physical activity can improve how you feel regarding your physical appearance, which may add the much-needed spark to your sex life. On top of that, it may improve arousal for women and reduce the risk of developing erectile dysfunction for men.

5. Fights Off Life-threatening Health Conditions and Diseases

 Are you looking for ways to prevent or manage serious health problems? Being physically active increases the level of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) and reduces unhealthy triglycerides. This leads to a smooth flow of blood throughout the body, which lowers your risk of heart diseases. Regular physical activity does an excellent job of preventing or managing a wide range of other health problems like stroke, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, various forms of cancer, and high blood pressure. More importantly, it can boost cognitive function and bring down the odds of death from nearly all causes.

6. Source of Fun and Social Life Improvement

 Regular exercise adds fun to your life. It offers you an opportunity to relax in a style, explore the outdoors, or just participate in fun-filled activities. It can help you build a strong bond with your friends or family members, especially when you’re exercising together in a fun social environment. So start cooking lessons, sign up for a dance class, or get some electric bike kits for an enjoyable ride. Look for an enjoyable physical activity and have fun.

7. Relax and Enjoy Quality Sleep

 Are you always tired? Do you struggle to fall asleep? Physical activity can help you unwind and get sufficient, restful sleep. The energy depletion that happens when you exercise accelerates the recuperative process as you sleep. People with sleep disorders can benefit from being active all the time.

Key Takeaways

Regular and daily physical activity provides amazing benefits that can enhance your overall health. It increases the levels of brain hormones, which can guarantee you a happy feeling and better sleep. It can help you combat serious health conditions, achieve your dream body, and make your sex life better.

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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

By Krista Berge

October 1, 2020

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You, My Dear Matter. Stay

As a part of suicide awareness month, we want others to learn about this very important subject that is becoming more and more relevant in our lives especially with the certain circumstances 2020 has brought us. Depression and suicide rates have increased this year alone.

To help bring awareness Krista Berge went Live to share her story of her husband taking his own life. She gave advice on talking about suicide, how to talk to those who are reaching out to you with suicidal thoughts and tips on how we all can help prevent suicide.

About Krista:

Krista graduated from Florida Southwestern State College with a degree in Nursing. Helping others is her passion. Krista is also a mother to four beautiful children Boston, Lincoln, Brinklee, and Storie Belle. They seem to take up a lot of her time with their sports and loaded social calendars BUT when she finds a moment, Krista enjoys reading, eating an obscene amount of Mexican food, and taking little adventures around the Southwest Florida area.

Krista has shared her story, feelings, and experience in the blog section of TheGypsyNurse.com.

You can read those here: https://www.thegypsynurse.com/blog/author/krista-berge/

We can all help prevent suicide

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.1-800-273-8255. You are not alone in this fight!

And remember, If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts…please reach out to someone, anyone.

And make sure you STAY. 

YOU, my dear, matter.

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

By Cross Country Nurses

September 30, 2020

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Will COVID-19 and the Pandemic Affect the 2020-2021 Flu Season for Travel Nurses?

This article provided by Cross Country Nurses.

Travel nurses are used to having more available opportunities during flu season, as most hospitals face a rise in patient census during this time. This year, however, hospitals will be facing a new challenge that will only exacerbate their nursing shortages: COVID-19. With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continuing to rise nationwide, there are several variables that hospitals need to be prepared for, including the possibility that patients could be infected with both viruses simultaneously and be hospitalized more than once if they contract both viruses separately. Both scenarios have the potential to increase nurse demand this flu season. Hospitals are moving quickly to address these possibilities by securing the additional nursing staff they expect to require now.

Will COVID-19 Cause Hospitalizations to Increase During the 2020-2021 Flu Season?

Scientists and healthcare professionals are learning more about COVID-19 and how it affects patients by the day. As more information is gained, treatments for COVID-19 patients have improved and hospitalizations appear to have decreased and often been of shorter duration. That said, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has warned that flu viruses and COVID-19 are likely to be circulating at the same time this fall and winter. While no one can predict exactly how many people will be infected by any of these viruses, the logical conclusion based on this fact is that hospitalizations will increase this flu season compared to last, which according to the CDC, included tens of millions of cases and tens of thousands of deaths.

Will COVID-19 Restrictions Help Stop the Spread of Flu During the 2020-2021 Season?

Travel restrictions, social distancing, and the wearing of masks have all been shown to stop the spread of COVID-19 in numerous countries worldwide as well as communities here in the United States. According to some reports, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, who are already in the height of their flu season, are experiencing a lower number of flu cases compared to last year. Local health officials there point to widespread adoption of COVID-19 restrictions as the reason.

While this might give health officials here hope if people largely continue to embrace the restrictions, there is an important variable to consider in the change of weather that occurs during our flu season. Colder temperatures will likely lead to more people crowding together in indoor spaces without masks. Additionally, the symptoms of common winter colds, including coughing and sneezing, are likely to spread COVID-19 virus particles from infected persons, whether or not they know they are infected.

Why Travel Nurses Should Secure Their Flu Season Assignments Now.

With so many unknown variables this flu season, and with all they have learned about the resources necessary to treat COVID-19 patients, many hospitals are being proactive in seeking out the additional healthcare staff they expect to need in the coming months. Nurses, especially those with ICU, Med/Surg, Tele, and ED specialties, are currently in the highest demand and already being sought to fill anticipated openings. This is why we suggest travel nurses start searching for the assignments they want most now before those openings are filled. The sooner you act to lock down an assignment, the more likely it will be in the city and clinical setting that most appeals to you.

Ready to secure your travel nurse assignment for the 2020-2021 flu season? Search our Job Board for your next assignment!

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

By Go Healthcare Staffing

September 29, 2020

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What Are Travel RN’s Going to Look at this Fall/Winter?

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

Usually, during fall, a large group of Travel RNs starts looking at their next assignment in warm climates such as Florida or Arizona.  BUT welcome to 2020 where nothing is the norm. 

Your fall assignment?

With the Virus not under control yet and a vaccine still unknown, picking your next assignment will leave you with many choices if you are part of the in-demand specialties.  Some but not all include ICU, TELE, and Med Surg to name a few.  Typically we have the mass migration of snowbirds, which is our oldest and most cared for a population when it comes to healthcare.  Now?  A lot are opting to stay put due to the Virus.

So what does this mean? 

If you add in the pending flu season with the Virus and states opening, this is a recipe for a large demand for healthcare professionals.  So travel nurses who usually go South may want to step back and look at their options.  Pay levels have increased across the states (minus Covid care which has subsided if you contracted the Virus on assignment).  The demand for certain specialties will reach an all-time high over the next few months even with a vaccine due to the rollout and people’s insecurity about taking a vaccine until proven 100% safe.  Travel RNs will have the opportunity of these options: to take an assignment where they could be near family for the holidays, receive better pay at a non-traditional winter location, or still choose to go to warmer climates.

This is a time when nothing is normal.  

Travel Nursing is no exception.  Be smart about your decision-making and do your homework.  More money does not always mean a great working environment.  Nor does warmer weather!

Have you started looking at your next assignment? Does it differ this year? Comment below.

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!)

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

By Medely

September 22, 2020

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Seven Ways Travel Nurses Can Maximize Their Pay

This article was provided by Medely.

From picking up per diem shifts to going back to school, there are multiple ways for travel nurses to earn more.

No one goes into nursing to get rich – most nurses are answering a call to help others. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ensure you’re being paid well while providing care. There’re many different ways to increase your pay as a nurse, but we’ve put together some of our top suggestions. Some of these tips are easy to implement – others will take time, a personal investment, and drive.

If you’re here, it’s likely you’re already a travel nurse – or at least considering it. This is a great first step to maximizing your earnings. Travel nurses make 20% more than non-travel nurses on average. 

These tips assume you’re already working as a travel nurse. But enough preamble – let’s jump into our…

Seven tips to maximize pay as a travel nurse

Tip #1: Location, location, location

It’s true in real estate and it’s true for travel nurses. Whether it’s a local shortage of qualified professionals or just a higher cost of living, some markets simply pay better. Metropolitan areas typically pay better than rural ones. Non-hospital roles often pay better as well. 

Just be careful of the geographies that pay more because the cost of living is higher. You might wind up just spending that extra pay on higher rent and groceries.

Tip #2: Pick up per diem shifts while on assignment

Picking up per diem shifts is a great way to maximize your pay during the coronavirus pandemic. Many cities are still under fairly strict lockdown mandates and your options for fun and adventure are limited. If your contract allows for overtime, working an extra shift or two at your current facility is easy to do. But it’s probably better for your career to work with different facilities in your market.

Working extra shifts at different facilities isn’t just about more money. It allows you to grow your network by working with different staff and doctors. Not only that, but you’re also able to see how different professionals approach various procedures and how they provide care.

Your choice in a travel nursing agency may impact this. Some agencies don’t offer per diem work or allow you to work with another agency to book shifts. While some travel nursing tech platforms, like Medely, offer both assignments and per diem right in the same app.

While there are a lot of benefits to working per diem shifts while on assignment, there can be drawbacks too. It’s important to make sure you get enough time off and rest. Your patients deserve the best care you can give, not what little gas you have left in the tank.

Tip # 3: Take less desirable shifts

From TGIF to “Woo-hoo! Three day weekend!” most of us think of work as Monday through Friday day shifts. But weekends, holidays, and night shifts all typically pay better for the exact same work as a weekday shift. Not everyone can make these less-desirable shifts fit their day-to-day schedule or travel plans, but the benefits are clear. If it works for you, these shifts can earn you an average of a few dollars more per hour.

Tip #4: Maximize your tax benefits and travel perks

Travel nursing typically includes per diem stipends for lodging and meals. These are generally tax-free up to a certain amount, which is set by the General Services Administration (GSA) and differs by geography and time of year. 

How travel nursing agencies approach stipends can be wildly different. Some reimburse you for your actual expenses, up to the maximum. Others will offer a flat amount lower than the GSA recommendations for your location. And others, like Medely, offer the maximum tax-free stipend amount for your location on every assignment. 

Obviously this isn’t the only deciding factor in the agency you choose. But if you work as a travel nurse for the majority of the year, they can add up to a large amount of your income quickly.

Tip #5: Pursue a new specialty

It’s no secret that certain specialties pay better. CRNA and Nurse Practitioners are at the top of the list but come with an advanced degree requirement. ICU and ER nursing traditionally pay well – but they come with a higher stress level. And any change in specialty will require you seizing the right opportunity. Yet another reason for building your professional network is important.

But if you’re up for the challenge, the pay off is clear. The degrees, certifications, and experience can add up to a specialty that pays six figures instead of five. Speaking of getting a new degree…

Tip #6: Earn an advanced degree

Earning a master’s degree is the first step to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). It’s also the way to move into education, research, or climbing the ladder in healthcare administration. Each of these career paths holds considerable income potential, but they’re not for everyone. Not only do they require an incredible investment of time and money, but the programs themselves are rigorous and competitive. On top of that, several of these career moves will limit how much direct patient care you provide.

Tip #7: Get creative with facility and industry choices

Most people automatically think of hospitals and family practice when thinking of nursing – and certainly, that’s where many nurses work. But there’s plenty of work for nurses outside of that setting in both full-time roles and as side work. You can pick up shifts as an insurance nurse, tutor local nursing students, provide telehealth support, offer medical transcription or technical writing services, and much more. Not only can you earn extra income by working in these areas, but you might also discover something new that you’re passionate about.

Find the right balance for you

Whether you need a couple of extra dollars an hour or you want to move into a new tax bracket – the right choice will be different for everyone. 

Some of these choices are fairly simple. Picking up travel assignments in a better market or finding an agency that pays you better can maximize your pay with minimal risk. Working third shift or eating up your time off with per diem shifts may help you meet a temporary goal, but may not fit your lifestyle. 

Working around the clock can quickly lead to burnout. Providing medical transcription may bore you to tears. So don’t be afraid to try something and decide it’s not for you. No matter your choices, money is secondary to your health, happiness, and the level of care you give your patients.

We hope you found these tips for to help maximize pay helpful. Have you found any ways to help you maximize pay? 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

By Bree Parker

September 20, 2020

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Stepping Away From the Bedside

A little about me:

Currently, I work in Healthcare Informatics for an American company and am based in the United Kingdom. A little about me:  I graduated in 1997 and had worked as a travel nurse for several years. In 2012, I met my husband and decided to move to Australia to be with him, so I applied for my nursing license through APHRA. After getting registered, I quickly found a job at a newly opened Private Hospital in Sydney.

Why Informatics

informatics

In July 2014, I returned from my honeymoon to find my Nursing Unit Manager had assigned me to Superuser training for our new EMR conversion. Due to my background as a travel nurse and many EMR conversions,  I spent 1:1 time with an Application Specialist to create the new ICU Flowsheet. Although it may have been tedious to review every observation item in Critical Care, it was also gratifying when we went live with an awesome Flowsheet. After six months in the superuser role, I was asked to be Hospital Project Coordinator for the EMR implementation.

The project was going into its fifth year and was stalling. The Senior management wanted the project to progress.  I have seconded to my ICU position, and the hospital Go Live occurred five months later. Shortly after the successful Go Live, my husband and I moved to Amsterdam for his job. During our year in The Netherlands, I started the interview process with my current company.

My company has specifically hired clinical staff for Application Analyst positions. It is necessary to understand the workflow that clinic staff is using to recreate the errors being seen. A good clinical understanding of how the product should function and troubleshoot when it doesn’t function as expected is necessary for this role.

What do I actually do as an Applicant Analyst?

I work Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 5:30. Occasionally, I travel to customer sites, but it’s much less than my implementation colleagues as I work in Product Support. My daily work involves; picking up tickets from our queue, recreating workflows to test errors, testing new development that will be deployed into the products, creating JIRA tickets for bugs and new development, investigating errors that arise for the customer, conducting meetings with customers, engaging with colleagues from all over the world, and dealing with high-stress situations.

Skills are required for this role

informatics

Varied skills are required for this role in informatics. Leadership is necessary as well as management skills as often the customer may be difficult or frustrated. Working as a nurse for too many years to count, I have developed my own management skills and have helped resolve issues instead of escalating the situation.

System analysis is critical to this role. I assess how users interact with the EMR by examining the workflow and input of data and the output of information. Is the process working as expected? Is the problem a bug, or is it working as designed? As well as collaborating with implementation to ensure the EMR functions more efficiently for the organization and clinical staff. Data Protection and Compliance are vital to this role.

Yearly, I must complete Data Protection Education to ensure the patient’s record remains confidential. Often, we work over VPN and use remote desktops. We may not receive patient data via email, and tickets may not include any vulnerable information related to the patient. Often, an organization sends information via a Minimum Dataset Form, detailing the issue found. I use these details to try and work out the problem.

How my nursing background helps

Coordination, facilitation, and integration; I am the Middle Man. I can translate our technical specialists’ complicated language into easy to understand clinical terms or basic computer language. Also, I can discuss what might be happening on the back-end of the EMR with the clinical staff and make it more relatable. We use an integrated platform for one of our Healthcare tools. There is also coordination of Go-Live activities and project management skills required.

I must facilitate monthly reports and weekly internal and external meetings with other departments in our organization or with customers. Go Live activities must be coordinated well so that everything that needs to happen will happen. Travel, hotels, phones, schedules, and VPN/EMR accounts must be organized so that we aren’t struggling at the last moment with these tasks.

Recently, I’ve transferred from the Windsor office to the Edinburgh office. Since I’ve moved to Scotland, I’m travelling a bit more for my role.

Overall, working in informatics requires a very similar skill set as nursing. I love my role and my job.


Are you looking for more information on travel nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide


Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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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

By Kevin Devoto

September 18, 2020

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Fun Tips for Travel Nursing

If you are a nurse looking to try something new and exciting, you should consider travel nursing! Travel nursing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. As a Registered Nurse, you work with a travel nurse staffing agency that sends you out to travel to different hospitals that are lacking in resources and need extra nurses for certain periods of time. Contracts typically last around thirteen weeks and then you move on to another spot.

This provides an opportunity for nurses to continue the work they love while also seeing new places and meeting new people. With this interesting job comes unique circumstances, and you may find yourself looking for some help in figuring out how to best utilize those circumstances. Here are a few fun tips for anyone looking into travel nursing.

Take The Long Way

If you get a contract to work somewhere abroad, you can look for a fun way to get there. For example, if you know you will be working in Bermuda, you can make your way to that location on fun Bermuda cruises. This can help you settle into your travel routine while also giving you the mental legroom to switch from being at your home and in your home city to moving around. You can also engage in fun activities while on your cruise that can help you reduce any new job jitters. Sightseeing your way to your new job’s location could prove to be a fantastic way to get there!

Do As the Locals Do

Wherever you get assigned it is good to remember that people live there permanently. You are a tourist in their town. So, you should be respectful of that privilege. When locals see that respect, they typically will feel safe sharing neat spots around town with you that you may not have found on your own. The best local restaurants, hiking spots, surfing spots, and more are not going to be relinquished to just anyone and you must take this knowledge with respect and not overshare it on social media. Although it may seem annoying not to be able to share the knowledge of the sweet spots, you will find that your experiences are richer and help destress you from the potentially stressful nature of nursing as a job.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes are an interesting and clever way to have an easy to travel wardrobe that is versatile, classy, and can fit into one suitcase. As you begin your travel nursing journey you will find that less is more when it comes to packing. On your days off when you do not want to wear your work scrubs, you will not want to be rifling through your suitcase or hotel room drawers to find the best outfit. Instead, you can pick from a combination of a few well made, durable, versatile, and cute options for the weather and activities you have laid out ahead of you. Dressing to impress is easier when you have a few key pieces that all work together and fit you perfectly. This would be a great tip to put your travel nursing salary towards. Many people have discovered that investing in a few highly-priced items will benefit you in the long run as opposed to buying and replacing cheaper clothes.

Don’t Leave Your Furry Friend Behind

If you have a dog or a cat or another pet who you think is the only thing keeping you at home, then fear no more. Your furry friend can travel with you to your destination. Think of how much fun they will have exploring the streets of a new city by your side on your days off work. Your pet can also help you feel more comfortable as you adjust to the new life of travel nursing.

Travel nursing is currently blowing up as people realize they can travel, make money, and help people. It is a really cool way to meet new people and explore new places. You will certainly never be bored!

We hope you found these travel nursing tips helpful. Do you have any travel nursing tips to share? 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

By Medely

September 17, 2020

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6 Ways Technology Creates a Better Travel Nursing Experience

This article was provided by Medely.

Your mobile device might just be the key to getting the most out of your new assignment.

We live in a world where our cars drive themselves and our refrigerators tell us the weather and commute times. Well… they do if you can afford it. Think about it – what are the chances that you’d forget your phone when leaving on a 13 week travel assignment? There’s a better chance you’d forget your toiletries.

Technology is a vital part of healthcare as well. Whether it’s something as cool as a 3D printed cast or something as seemingly simple as a digital staffing platform like Medely, technology is creating better patient outcomes and simplifying our work lives – yes, even those frustrating EHR/EMR systems. 

Here are six ways technology can improve your travel nursing experience.

Your agency experience

From the moment you submit your application to a travel assignment until you collect your last paycheck 13+ weeks later, you will be regularly relying on your agency for all kinds of administrative tasks. This makes the agency you choose to book travel assignments through a critical choice in this experience. An agency’s level of tech adoption will impact how you apply, prove your credentials, accept your offer, clock in and out, and get paid. Look for an agency that provides digital tools for each of these aspects but still provides the level of support and interaction you need.

Your exploration

Most of us have at least heard the names Yelp and Travelocity. Knowing how to maximize travel tools makes getting to the new city a breeze and has you living like a local in no time. 

Pro-tip: If you fly regularly many travel sites will use a cookie to track you. They may actually show you inflated rates based on your need. Use incognito mode in your browser or a privacy-focused browser like Brave to avoid this.

Once you’re there, make the most of your time. Make sure you don’t spend 12 weeks in a city only to find out the best Thai restaurant is just around the corner. To do that, you need to have the same info the locals have. Using tools like Spotted By Locals, Showaround, and Eat With will have you up to speed in no time. From having a resident show you around to planning meals around non-touristy restaurants, there’s an app to fit your needs.

Your productivity

Productivity apps are nothing new. From complex workflow apps like Jira to simple note-keeping apps like Evernote, everyone has their favorite productivity app. Nurses are no different. Here are a few useful productivity tools for nurses:

  • Evernote (Android, Apple): Any list of productivity apps without Evernote on it is suspect at best. With the ability to quickly take and organize notes, set voice reminders, and file photos, it’s a must-have app. 
  • Epocrates (Android, Apple): This app that has been alive and kicking since the days of Blackberrys. Use it to quickly find drug safety information, drug interactions, and dosage calculators. The built-in Pill ID function lets you identify medication by shape, color, scoring, imprint codes, and more.
  • UpToDate (Android, Apple): This app puts reliable, peer-reviewed info within easy reach and is an invaluable resource. Use it to find information for primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal specialties, and general surgery. It also has well as over a hundred medical calculators and thousands of patient education articles.
  • Medscape (Android, Apple): The latest medical news, sorted by specialty, FDA announcements, and continuing education courses are all found in this app. Not to mention medical calculators and drug information.
  • MedPage Today (Website): This site specializes in covering breaking medical news and offers several continuing education options and articles.

Your credentials

Life’s uncertain. You could show up on your first day and find out the facility misplaced your credentials. Or maybe you’re in a pandemic and would rather pick up per diem shifts than explore a new city. Making sure you’ve got all of your credentials in one digital location just makes sense. Before leaving on assignment, scan or take a photo of each of your credentials. Give them a clear name, and upload them to a folder on a cloud service like DropBox or Google Drive. 

Technology Pro-tip: Don’t own a scanner? (because who owns a scanner in 2020?) Take pictures of documents in a well-lit location, preferably with natural light. Get as close to the document as possible, and make sure it’s in focus. A fuzzy, poorly-lit document pic won’t be very useful!

Your work experience

While you’re in a new city you’ve got access to facilities and doctors you don’t have at home. Each of them may do things a little differently or use technology you don’t have experience with. You’ve got a great opportunity to expand your network and your knowledge. Use your days off to pick up per diem shifts at different facilities. Clock some hours on a different EHR, work with professionals that use different methods, or just figure out what kind of staff you like working with. This is one place where your choice in agency and having your credentials ready matters. Not all agencies offer per diem jobs or allow you to pick them up while on assignment. So choose wisely and be prepared!

Your connection to others

Oh sure, you love Facebook for staying in touch with friends from college or high school. But social networks, when on a travel assignment, can be vital to your mental health. They’re not just for staying in touch with people back home. LinkedIn and Facebook groups for travel nurses or local professionals are a great way to find local networking events. Meetup is also a great way to find events for people who share your interests in a new city.

Do what works for you

Technology can impact all aspects of travel nursing. It helps you maximize your work experience (and pay!), explore new surroundings, stay connected, and ensures everything runs smoothly. Finding what works best for you may take some trial and error, but being ready to try a new app or service will enable you to tailor your travel experience to best fit your lifestyle and needs.

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

By Titan Medical

September 15, 2020

6520 Views

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Flu Vaccines in 2020

This article was provided by Titan Medical.

Getting the flu vaccine this year? It might be in your best interest to consider getting your flu vaccine earlier than you normally would. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, allergies, and flu, it might become difficult to differentiate the symptoms. By getting your flu vaccine earlier, it could help by preventing the spread of the flu.

Availability

Flu vaccines will become available in healthcare clinics, pharmacies, etc., by early September. It might look different in some locations as there will likely be more drive through immunizations across parking lots and spacious open areas. This will allow for more social distancing and disinfecting breaks in-between patient stops.

According to The CDC:

  • Everyone 6 months of age and older should get annual flu vaccine by the end of October
  • It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu
  • Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children and adults

By getting the flu shot, you could keep yourself and those around you safe. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, consider taking safety precautions early this year. Get your flu vaccine as soon as possible. Not only can it help prevent those around you from getting sick, but it can potentially cut back on the number of patient visits to clinics and hospitals.

Has the pandemic changed your perspective on getting a flu shot this year? Did you get your flu shot earlier this year than in prior years due to COVID? Comment below and let us know.


If you or someone you know is on the hunt for their next travel healthcare assignment, Titan Medical is here to help. Give us a call at 866-332-9600 to talk to a recruiter today to learn more about traveling with Titan Medical Group.

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