Summertime is ending, and the cool breezes and beautiful shades of autumn are on their way. There are many different ways to experience the fall across the United States, which makes the season a perfect time for your next travel nursing assignment!
We’ve created a list of the best states for fall travel, all of which have plenty of travel nursing assignments to choose from.
Read on for our list of the best states for travel nursing this fall!
Tennessee
Tennessee is a state that offers jaw-dropping fall landscapes. It’s also chock-full of cities essential to American music, art, and history.
Take a scenic autumn drive along the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville. Or enjoy changing fall leaves while learning music history along the Americana Music Triangle, a partnership of attractions across the South that includes which includes Brownsville, Franklin, Memphis, and Nashville.
Immerse yourself in critically important U.S. history by taking a trip on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Memphis, Nashville, and Clinton – the state offers 10 stops where visitors can learn the stories of those who changed the course of civil rights history with protests and legal victories.
Can’t get enough music? You’re in luck! Nashville is known as “Music City,” and offers a huge range of delicious food options, entertainment, and gorgeous autumn views.
Colorado
No matter what time of year it is, Colorado is always a great choice for a travel destination, but it truly shines in the fall. Colorado’s aspen forests begin to display their unique autumn hues from mid-September to mid-October, turning the state’s stunning landscape a mixture of yellow and gold.
Colorado’s four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The parks offer hiking, camping, biking, and other outdoor activities within some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Colorado’s major cities are bustling centers of arts and culture; the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center are world-class museums. Colorado also offers delicious dining options, with must-visit establishments serving top-notch dishes across the state.
California
Fall isn’t always about the leaves. California, the Golden State, offers beautiful scenery and weather nearly all year long. Plus, if you love exploring the outdoors, California is hard to beat. From its world-famous Pacific coast to the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Golden State’s surfing, skiing, biking, hiking, and other activities will never disappoint.
Northern California offers the towering redwood forests of the Muir Woods National Monument and the incredible scenery of Lake Tahoe. California’s breathtaking and rugged coastline can be seen all along Pacific Highway 1. The state also has over 300 national and state parks, including the iconic Yosemite National Park.
In Southern California, explore San Diego’s Balboa Park, featuring the renowned San Diego Zoo(voted #1 Zoo in the World), 15 museums, and opulent gardens. Or take a trip to the vast and humbling Joshua Tree National Park, which lies at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts.
Whether you’re marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or surfing in Orange County, there are endless options for exploration in California.
Louisiana
Even in the “new normal,” Louisiana is an incredibly fun and festive place to travel. The months of September, October, and November are cool, breezy, and sunny. There is no need to worry about unusually cold, snowy days here!
A different but equally enjoyable slice of Louisiana culture can be found in Lafayette, the state’s fourth-largest city. It is located in the heart of Acadiana (near the stunning Atchafalaya Basin). The name given to the area settled by the Cajuns and Creoles in the 18th century. It has also been named “the Happiest City in America.”
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We hope you found this article on 4 great places for travel nursing this fall helpful. Are there any locations you feel are great places for travel nursing in the fall?
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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!”
Everyone in Health Care is familiar with traveling Nurses, Doctors, Occupational Therapists, among others, but a Traveling CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)?
I know! Doesn’t that sound crazy?!
I mean, really, I thought the same thing. But, it’s true- though we are not in as hot demand as the other medical specialties, we are not only valuable but needed. I have a vagabond gene that screams, “GO SOMEWHERE! Travel, see the country- experience great things!” But most important, my vagabond gene tells me, “Go forth and share your compassion and skills with others.”
I started my quest for information and assignments specifically for traveling CNA’s when I first graduated. I knew I could not travel right away; I had to get the right amount of experience, become great at what I do, and hone my skills, just like a brand new LPN or RN. That’s exactly what I did.
I want to share my ‘Top 10 Most Important List”. I hope the information is helpful, and you can utilize the resources and lessen the initial stress of breaking into your new travel journey!
1. Resume
Your resume is going to be your only chance at a first impression. You have to make it great, and you have to make it complete.
Highlight your exceptional skills and experience and sell yourself through your cover letter.
Your resume needs to be clean, concise, and in a professional format for not only recruiters but also the person who will decide to call you for an interview.
Include your license information, including the state in which you are licensed.
Include any other certifications or memberships you have—for example, BLS or membership with the American Association of Long Term Care Nursing. (Memberships show that you take your profession seriously).
2. References
Most importantly, above all else – you need great references! If you do not provide references, which can actually speak with a recruiter, it will be useless! Your DON sounds perfect. Eh- unfortunately, not so much. Many hospitals/facilities have a policy that all references must be deferred to HR. While that is great to verify your employment dates, etc., it does nothing for a reference as to the level of your competency in your skills or how you conduct yourself with your patients and coworkers. References must be from someone who has directly supervised you; such as:
Charge Nurse (LPN or RN)
Unit Supervisors
Clinical Coordinators
Nurse Mentors, etc.
Once you have built a friendship and rapport with a supervisory nurse, ask them if they would mind if you use them as a contact reference in the future. First name, last name, telephone number, and email! You can download a blank reference form for free through the internet or Microsoft Word. Ask them if they would mind filling one out for you for use in the future.
3. Traveling CNA Medical Documentation
In order to be a traveling CNA (just like nurses), you will need to have your medical documentation in order.
Titer paperwork- (verifies immunities)
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Varicella (chickenpox zoster)
HBV (hepatitis B)
PPD Test result
This is required once a year.
Flu shot
Ask your recruiter if this is required before you leave for an assignment.
Physical
Sometimes- this will be required to be within 30 days of the travel date, or it could be within the previous 12 months. (Your recruiter will best answer this- we will get to that).
4. Your voicemail!
You are probably asking, “what in the world does my voicemail have to do with travel nursing?” A lot! Make sure that your voicemail is professional. A person contacting you for a potential travel position is not going to like to hear: Yo, this is Michelle, yea, ya missed me- I ain’t able to get to da phone…. Beeeep, leave me a message with yo digits!” (LOL, ok, so I am not that creative, but I have heard some BAD voicemail greetings- you get my meaning.)
“Hello, you have reached Michelle Lane; I am sorry I am unable to get to the phone at this time. Please leave me a detailed message with your name and telephone number, and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you, and have a great day.” (Yes, that is what my voicemail says.)
5. Research, Research, Research!
Deciding to become a traveling CNA is a big step- it would be a horrible experience if you do not make a sound decision on the company you decide to travel with, the recruiter you use, and your pay package.
Agency: There are many of them out there, some good, some that you need to avoid like the plague! Google the name of the potential agency, for example, XYZ Medical Staffing complaints. Also, there are some great Travel nurse groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and DelphiForums. Just do some homework.
Your recruiter should be your cheerleader, your go-to person, and most of all, they should communicate with you! I cannot stress this enough. A good recruiter returns phone calls, answers questions, and looks out for you in all aspects. They should be willing to hold your hand for the entire duration of your time with them. Nothing would be worse than to get to your assignment and have a problem, and you can reach the—cell phone, email, Facebook, etc. If you do not have a warm fuzzy feeling with them, get a new one!
Traveling CNA Pay Package
Traveling CNA’s are not paid AS much as RN’s or other medical specialties; however, there are some really great rates out there for us! How do you know that you are getting a good quote for an assignment? Well, let’s look at an example:
Powell, Wyoming -$18 taxed hourly rate (WOW! That is awesome, right?) -$500 tax-free per week per diem for housing (sometimes called a stipend)
-$300 travel reimbursement to get to your assignment reimbursed by your agency.
You now know that you have a $2000 per month budget to work with. In your research, you will want to look at what housing will cost, a car (if you are not driving there- for this example, we will say we are flying there.
The cheapest all-inclusive housing you can find is $2,600, and it is 50 minutes away. As you can see, this assignment will already eat up all your housing per diem, which means that you will have to pay out of pocket $600 per month, and you have not even researched car rental rates yet. YIKES! Not a good idea unless you really, really want to see Powell, Wyoming. There will be assignments that you really want, and paying out of pocket is something that you want to do; I get that.
6. Get a notebook
Make sure to keep good records of agencies, recruiters, and proposed assignments that you have been submitted for! While looking for assignments, you will not believe how easy it is to get confused. At the top of the page, I write the name of the agency, the recruiter’s name, and contact information, along with the city and state of the assignment. Write down the details from what the recruiter tells you about an assignment, ask for an email recapping all the details discussed, and then compare your notes to what the recruiter sent to you. Yes, it is important. It’s best to catch an error immediately and contact your recruiter to let them know the variances.
**You will want to really read your contract once you receive it, and make sure that all information in your contract is the same as you discussed with the interviewer and your recruiter. Don’t forget to get the full name of the person interviewing you and a contact number.
7.Questions to ask during the interview
(You can use these answers to compare to what the recruiter told you, and then let them know what the interviewer told you). You would be surprised how information can be different. I know I wouldn’t be happy if my recruiter told me that I would be working five 8 hour shifts, with a guaranteed 40 hours, only to find out when I get there that I will be working three 12 hour shift and a cancellation policy of up to 12 hours unpaid. It can add up over the course of a 13-week assignment.
On The Fly® – This is only accessible through the On The Fly Mobile App (you can search by a period in the calendar or specific days.)
Kayak®
Hipmunk ®
Transportation These are alternative ways to find cars/transportation
RelayRides®
Lyft®
U-CarShare®
Misc. Apps/Websites
CamScanner® is an awesome app where you can take a picture of your documents using your smartphone. I used this app to send all my paperwork to my recruiter.
PAN Travelers – Useful calculator, so you can see the big picture with contract money. This website is an all-around great resource for traveling nurses.
Travel Tax- Joe Smith at Travel Tax is a great resource for travelers regarding
taxes.
Travel Nurse Network – The Gypsy Nurse – This the ultimate go-to group for me. If I have a question, no matter what time of the day or night, I know that I will get honest answers for any question that I might have. Not to mention I have met some really great seasoned travel nurses.
CNA Travelers – obviously, I am going to plug my group on Facebook. 😉 We are building a CNA specific group just for us! This is a great springboard, so to speak, where you are free to ask questions and meet others with the vagabond gene!
9. Finances
You are getting ready to embark on a travel journey, and you must consider your banking options. Banks are everywhere, but is your bank? If you lost your bank debit card while on assignment, how would you get a replacement? Due to possible fraud, many banks will only send a replacement card to your home address on your account or to a branch in the city that you are in. What if your bank does not have a branch within 200 miles of your assignment city? That would create a big problem. Personally, I got sick of all the bank fees eating away at my abysmal bank balance anyway. (It’s ok to giggle- I did) I decided six years ago to go with non-traditional banking by using an online bank. There are several out there, and a Google search can help you find others, but of course, I have my pick:
NetSpend
I have 24/7 access to my money, a free direct deposit, a Visa® debit card, and free overdraft protection (with direct deposit). I have the convenience of an app on my phone and text message alerts for every transaction that includes your current balance. Your account comes with a free Savings account. If you lose your card, you can go online immediately and deactivate your card yourself, and set up a “Virtual Debit Card” so you never lose access to your money. NetSpend also has cashback rewards.
10. Flexibility
As a Traveling CNA that wants to break into traveling, it is essential that you are flexible and willing to go ANYWHERE. The assignments for Traveling CNA’s are not as plentiful as they are for RN’s, so you really have to be open to new places that you may not have thought of.
I hope that my Top 10 List helps you step out into the gypsy world and share your skills and experience new places and adventures. You never know; maybe we will meet in person along the way!
About The Author:
Michelle is a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), having three years of overall healthcare experience. She recently found her vagabond gene and is a newly anointed Gypsy who loves to travel, meet new people, and help others live their dream of traveling as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
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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!”
I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. I mean, we made it through year one, the hardest year, right? But today…it was foggy one moment with “Wait, what happened?” & clear the next as the ache in my chest stole every breath from me.
Today, my mind told me I deserved it all.
Every crack in my heart, every hardship, every tear. That this was my fault. That I didn’t try hard enough, that I didn’t pray correctly, that it was me that chose the wrong doctors. Once again I was able to understand a little bit of Brian’s pain. A small glimpse into depression.
Funny how we can beat ourselves up BUT if my friend was sitting in my shoes and saying these ridiculous things to me, I would probably have to shake her and scream “STOP! Don’t you dare do this!”
So what can I do to fight against these lies swirling in my head tonight?
Well….I decided to let you into the darkness a little more. I want to try and help you understand grief during the second year. Because let’s face it, none of us are immune to it. We will, or we already have, at one point or another, experienced a significant (the word doesn’t even describe it) loss.
1. It’s not just one day
I lost Brian to depression before I even lost Brian. But today is the day I found him and knew nothing would ever go back to the way it was. Today is the day he met Jesus and become whole. Tomorrow is the day he was pronounced, the following is the day our kids knew Daddy was going to Heaven, and the day after that is the day I received the phone call that all of his organs had been donated. For most of us in grief, there is the last day we saw them, the last day we had hope, the last time we talked to them. It is never just one day of loss.
2. Everyone is lying if they tell you the first year is the hardest.
I woke up thinking it was all going to be better after the first 365 days, but it was worse. Much, much worse. The end of the first year only confirmed I had to do this all over again. I didn’t have to make it through the “firsts” but the “seconds” and “thirds” and so on and SO ON! Booooo!
3. I regret every single moment leading up to it.
This isn’t just a “suicide thing” either. This is anyone that has ever lost anyone. We wish we kissed them longer, harder, more, or even at all. We wish we didn’t take the long way home. That we called and said “I love you” one more time. That we followed our intuition. Anything. It’s hard pulling yourself out of that terrible loop.
4. I am exhausted more now than ever.
I swear adrenaline and denial were the only things that kept me going for the longest time. Now, it’s only by God’s grace I can roll out of bed. People tend to go back to their normal lives while those in grief are left wondering what “normal” even looks like anymore.
5. AND there is hope in making it through another year.
I used to say we lost Brian BUT God is good. I now feel we lost Brian AND God is good. See what I did there? I changed one word and it reminds me that God is God and I am not. I am constantly learning to change one word. I don’t HAVE to get up to take care of the kids…I GET to take care of these loud creatures that God entrusted me with. I am in pain, we all are, AND God is good.
So there you go. Enjoy my dark and twisty thoughts. Even though He has slain me, my future, my dreams, I will praise Him. I will shout of His goodness! Praise Him in my pain! I will point you to the one who gives and takes away! This is the hard part you guys…this is the place between the pain of this world and the promise of the next.
Praying for your heart right now ❤️
Please, if you are struggling with your mental health and/or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741741
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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!”
In the midst of any crisis, one of the best ways to cope is to seek out any silver linings in order to remain positive and optimistic for the future. Certainly, the world hasn’t experienced anything quite like the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has undoubtedly brought disruptive changes, fear, and grief to the forefront.
Yet, as the world struggles to further contain the spread of COVID-19, there is an opportunity to learn from the past and look to a brighter future. This is true for healthcare leaders, who can take their learnings and experiences during the pandemic to drive both operational and quality of care improvements.
Technology and innovation have emerged as key areas in which the lessons learned from facing the COVID-19 crisis could help the industry thrive in the future.
Turning crisis into innovation
Due to the pandemic, healthcare leaders have looked to innovative technologies to help improve safer access to care, efficiencies, and speed of care delivery – even from afar. Health-focused tech companies are reporting surges in their business and noting many hospitals are now asking for emerging technologies to implement as soon as possible. Some of these include:
Mainstreaming of Telehealth
For the first time in more than 20 years, government officials, providers, health plans, and employers are recommending telehealth as the first choice for care, as opposed to an alternative – due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Before the pandemic, only 1 in 10 patients in the U.S. used telehealth, according to a J.D. Power survey. Now, health systems and private telehealth companies are seeing a dramatic increase in the use of telehealth – to the tune of digital visits climbing from 750% to 1,000% since the coronavirus became widespread.
Beyond the adoption of telehealth by providers, consumer opinions are changing as well. Almost three-quarters of patients polled for one recent survey said they’d consider using telehealth to be remotely screened for COVID-19 and two-thirds said the pandemic has increased their willingness to try virtual care.
In fact, a recent Cross Country Healthcare survey of healthcare leaders who indicated they were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, 25% of them named “an effective telehealth service offering” as an area where they lacked preparation. And, with a surge in telehealth during the pandemic, many (50%) say they would have engaged more contracts and locums talent to boost their telemedicine capabilities.
These changes could be the turning point in telehealth utilization across the country, making virtual health visits mainstream and an easy alternative for receiving care for low-acuity needs. It could also be instrumental in providing much-needed services and improved access to care in rural communities.
Greater IT Strategic Planning
Strategic planning for enterprise-wide IT projects is a common practice among healthcare leaders. However, as many organizations accelerate their digital services, a greater need for additional long-term planning has emerged. As healthcare entities increase their focus on strategic planning for a post-pandemic environment, they have the opportunity to consider what technologies have worked, what challenges and risks they faced, and most importantly, what opportunities they have to move their organization forward utilizing innovative technologies.
A Move to Virtual Workspace
Many healthcare organizations are reporting up to a 50% increase in the number of remote workers they are supporting – this includes, providing virtual desktop interfaces, connectivity devices, and endpoint security. Operational planning is also needed to ensure enterprise IT systems support their virtual workers by providing a seamless flow of data.
This disruptive shift in technology resources and planning has created both opportunities and risks. While we don’t yet know the extent to which system vulnerabilities will be identified, the ability to support virtual teams on a large scale will rely on new and emerging recruitment and retention efforts.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has seen steady growth over the past two years, however, shelter-in-place orders have expedited that growth. Today, patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 can be closely monitored from afar, without bringing them to crowded hospitals. Further, other patients who require frequent contact with their doctors can maintain their conditions without leaving their homes.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare coverage for RPM services was restricted to patients with one or more chronic conditions. In response to the current crisis, CMS has issued new regulatory policies around RPM – both for the duration of the pandemic and moving forward. Both the short-term and long-term, RPM is available for both acute and/or chronic conditions, providing an opportunity for further care innovations. In addition, CMS has outlined that RPM can be utilized for both new and established patients.
Better Access and Speed of Care Delivery
In communities across the country, fear of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread as fast as the virus itself. Patients are clamoring for advice from their providers who are working at warp speed to keep up with the demand. Many health systems have implemented call centers to help support patients and answer questions, with others are using self-triaging tools such as chatbots to help patients evaluate their symptoms before going to see a doctor.
In some instances, chatbots are equipped with answers to frequently asked questions, assessments related to COVID-19 symptoms, and opportunities to send messages directly to a physician. These innovations provide great hope for the future and the ability to evaluate patients, guide them through the care process, limit wait times, and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.
The Age of Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) has produced tremendous benefits for healthcare providers by generating and analyzing patient, clinician, and health system data. It is already evolving at such a pace that it can now outperform humans on some specific tasks. The data intelligence it produces can help practitioners better predict, prevent, screen, and even diagnose disease.
Moving forward, big data also has the potential to help healthcare facilities and systems better predict key operational trends, such as patient volume, stay durations and care needs so they can better plan for clinical staffing. AI may soon replace the administrative tasks required by nurses, including ordering tests or compiling notes, but will also improve medical image analysis, screenings, and even support safer, higher quality care.
The next wave of innovation
Playing the role of an industry disruptor, technology and innovation have created the ability to build new, peripheral services to better support the healthcare sector. Products such as telemonitoring devices, home messaging services, and patient monitoring tools all have the opportunity to evolve and support patient care in the era of telehealth and AI services. These innovations present a whole new avenue for minimizing costs and improving access to care, during the pandemic and beyond.
We hope that you found this information on turning crisis into innovation helpful. Have you seen any ways your facilities/hospitals are turning this crisis into innovation? Comment them below.
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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!”
The spread of coronavirus has changed every aspect of our daily life. From a dynamic daily routine, we have shifted to a social distancing situation, with few or no contact with anyone. Most of our 2020 resolutions have to be postponed as the virus has undoubtedly affected almost all our plans.
However, while the pandemic has peaked in many countries, it is now showing a downward trend, leaving us in hopes of going back to the old reality. As we see the trend dropping, we need to start rethinking our previous plants and revitalizing them.
Well after all this time, aren’t you feeling the urge to get in your car and drive away to wherever the open road takes you, either in your home country or in an overseas terrain? You are in for the most exciting phase in your life.
Road tripping gives you the chance to explore neighborhoods and terrains at your own pace. However, you need to put in a little planning if you are to have the road trip of your time, whether or not you are road tripping around specific sites. Planning saves you time and keeps you safe while traveling, especially post corona traveling.
1. Get a guide book
This is a travel guide that helps you understand the route you will be following through your trip. It gives you an idea of the restaurants to eat at, accommodation options for different locations, and all the historical and cultural information that you will need for a smooth trip. Note that there are many types of guide books, with each type focusing on a unique aspect of travel. You need to find a guide that represents your sexual orientation, income, diet, health, relaxation needs, and adventure preferences.
2. Restaurant reservations
You need to make arrangements for where you will be eating well in advance, for each city or town you will be passing through. It is not ideal to make reservations for a specified time before leaving home, but you can always book one a few hours to the time you will be arriving in the city. Making reservations is easier now than ever before, thanks to the mobile apps and improved websites that almost every restaurant now has.
3. An automatic car
If you will be driving abroad, a car with a manual transmission might not be your ideal car. Driving a stick-shift in a foreign land and under completely strange road infrastructure and safety rules can be very uncomfortable. Book an automatic transmission car in advance.
4. An international driving permit (IDP)
Still, on overseas road trips, you will need the right documentation for you to be eligible to rent a car as well as to drive. An international driving permit (IDP) is one such document.
5. Accommodation
Booking any form of accommodation – will help you get the right luxury, convenience, and appeal for your needs and budget. Note that accommodation rates fluctuate within short time spans, and availability can change considerably in hours. You cannot afford to risk arriving in a town without a clear idea of where you will sleep, or how much it will cost you. Some of the most important things to plan for is accommodation. If you are on a Connecticut to Florida road trip, for example, you will need to take breaks during the trip, so you might need to book family vacation rentals where you can lay your head at night. That allows you to explore all the incredible sights without getting fatigued.
6. Things to do and attractions
Book a few attraction sights beforehand so that you can have it easy when planning your itinerary. A road trip doesn’t mean you will be driving through the day and sleeping all night. You will need to stop once in a while to explore landscapes and try different cuisines. You might not be able to plan your itinerary minute by minute, but it will help you a lot if you can book attractions that are by the roadside and that are close together. That will save you time and fuel costs.
7. Parking garage
Booking parking garages in advance helps you get the cheapest and safest option. You will also find a garage that is within a reasonable distance from your accommodation. Remember that time is of the essence when on a road trip. And because you will be on the road for days or weeks on end, you need to find garages that have the best car inspection and repair services.
Conclusion
Booking parking garages in advance helps you get the cheapest and safest option. You will also find a garage that is within a reasonable distance from your accommodation. Remember that time is of the essence when on a road trip. And because you will be on the road for days or weeks on end, you need to find garages that have the best car inspection and repair services.
We hope you found these tips for post corona traveling helpful. Do you have any tips on post corona traveling you would like to share? Comment them below.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming 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!”
Times in the medical world have been difficult, to say the least. They have been downright crazy for the most part. COVID-19 has sent us all on a whirlwind adventure that nobody signed up for or expected.
Being a traveling nurse during these times has been particularly difficult. You may have found yourself working in a couple of different hospitals with differing protocols and ways of handling the virus. Likewise, you may have experienced difficulties with patients and doctors suspicious of you from coming in from elsewhere.
It isn’t easy; it probably won’t be for a while yet. But here are some tips for dealing with it.
Travel Nursing and COVID
In normal times (and perhaps now more than ever) travel nurses are an essential part of the patchwork of medical professionals. As the job title indicates, you are traveling, often in 4-6 month increments, across the country to work at different hospitals and fill in where necessary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, willing travel nurses have been a critical part of filling in gaps and making sure there is enough support in each hospital.
However, the landscape of travel nursing has changed profoundly as a result of the pandemic. Many are saying that jobs are difficult to find as travel restrictions have taken effect. To deal with this, professionals suggest being flexible and quick in your selections. Be willing to try new things and position your recruiter to help you react quickly.
The pandemic is making things difficult for everyone, but especially nurses who have to see the dark reality of the disease play out every day. Taking time to care for your mental health is critical to maintaining your ability to successfully do your job. Get away from COVID a little by not keeping up on all the health-related news outside of work, take time to stay healthy and exercise, and stay in touch with friends and family by reaching out for support as needed.
Adaptations
In many ways, hospitals have been forced to adapt and do things a little differently as a result of COVID. One of the significant things that many have been dealing with is an explosion of misinformation that makes patients skeptical of treatments that could save their lives. Spotting and combating fake news in a professional setting is becoming a more and more critical part of the daily job requirements.
Healthcare providers have also been required to adapt to more virtual solutions in the wake of COVID. For instance, many patients are now demanding remote notarization for things like wills and birth certificates, which typically must be handled in person. These adaptations are essential to keeping people safe and separated as much as possible.
Telehealth is also becoming more popular for patients that are actively trying to avoid hospitals for non-emergency health concerns. More and more, doctors and nurses are getting on board with having check-ups and diagnostic appointments online to assess a patient’s need to come in for a face-to-face meeting. Doing this requires some change in thinking for travel nurses, but it can be a critical means of limiting the spread of COVID to patients that may not otherwise be exposed.
***
Travel nursing is a great means of exploring the country and working in a variety of different settings. These nurses are critical components of the healthcare system, especially during the pandemic. However, like many other healthcare professionals, they have had to adapt to changes that COVID is bringing to the table including things like skeptical patients, online patient visits, and online notarization amongst other things.
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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!”
Being a travel nurse is one of the most exciting things you can do in your career, but the idea of working away from home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. If you’re ready to embark on your first assignment but aren’t sure what to do next, here are some tips to help first time travel nurses.
1. Get organized.
Travel nursing is an amazing way to see the county and learn a lot of new skills, but to make sure everything goes off without a hitch, you must have all your paperwork in order. Make sure your license, CPR, and any certifications are up to date and that you have all the required documentation.
2. Think about where you want to go.
There are so many wonderful places to be a travel nurse, but if it’s your first time, it’s best to pick a place that you know. It should be the next town over or a city you’ve traveled to in that past, but any sense of familiarity makes working away from home for the first time a little bit easier.
3. Be flexible.
You may not get your first choice, but your recruiter can help you figure out which jobs are available in your specialty. Sometimes, being more general about what you want helps. For example, if you’ve spent some time in Florida and know you’d be comfortable working there, instead of insisting on Miami, open up to the possibilities of Tampa or Daytona Beach, too.
4. Pack carefully.
Most travel nursing assignments are 13 weeks, so consider what you’ll need in that time. Remember, you’ll spend your days off exploring your new city, so come prepared. If you’re an outdoor lover, bring your hiking boots and backpack. Are you looking forward to exploring the city’s art and culture scenes? Bring along some comfortable walking shoes and your camera.
5. Don’t forget to make arrangements for the stuff at home.
For example, is someone going to get your mail for you? What about packages and other deliveries? Should you cancel the cable for the amount of time you’re going to be away? It’s essential to take care of these things so, when you come home, you don’t have a stack of bills or other problems to deal with.
6. Be confident in your skills.
It’s not easy being a travel nurse on a floor where everyone else has worked together for years. Most nurses are welcoming and ready to help travelers as they learn the ropes, but remind yourself that you deserve to be there and are a valuable part of the team.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
You’ll have orientation at the beginning of your contract and learn all about the policies and procedures of where you’re working, and you’ll probably have a lot of questions. And that’s okay! It’s always better to clarify questions, especially when you’re new.
8. Be friendly.
Making friends with your co-workers is a great way to get comfortable with a new city and makes your time there more enjoyable. You can make lasting friendships through travel nursing that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Ask coworkers for recommendations about where to go and what to see while you’re in town, and ask them to join you for dinner or a night of dinner and drinks.
9. Where are you off to next?
Thirteen weeks might sound like a long time, but it flies by. Keep in touch with your recruiter to know what your options are. If you love where you’re working, see if you can extend the assignment for another 13 weeks. Or, maybe you’d rather try something completely different. Don’t wait until the last week of your contract to work it out.
10. Choose your travel nursing company wisely.
Soliant has thousands of travel nursing jobs in many specialties, all across the United States. To learn more, check out their website and get started on the next chapter of your nursing adventure.
We hope you found this information for first time travel nurses helpful, do you have any tips for first time travel nurses to share? Comment them below.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming 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!”
For those who enjoy taking care of people and exploring new places, a traveling nurse’s career can be the perfect combination of life purposes and unique experiences. Becoming a travel nurse is an excellent opportunity to practice, discover other cities, and make decent money. Such a job is more useful and responsible compared, for instance, to the job of essay writer. So, it involves a higher wage and additional bonuses.
A travel nurse needs to have a relevant diploma and at least one year of work experience. You can get a job in different regions of the US and even abroad. Travel nurses usually deal with specialized agencies that help them find suitable positions. In the US, travel nurses are offered temporary and short-term appointments that generally last about 18 weeks. International travel nursing programs usually last up to two years.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a nursing career salary is over $ 70,000 per year. The duties of a travel nurse also differ according to specialization, type of medical facility, and work schedule. You may wonder, “How can I write my essay online about travel nurses?” Well, the profession of a travel nurse is not for everyone. Let’s find what personal qualities are needed for successful travel nursing career paths.
Flexibility and Empathy
Regardless of specific responsibilities, flexibility is the key feature for a travel nurse’s career. These nurses have to adapt very quickly to different medical institutions’ policies and, possibly, to the culture of another country. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the patient’s feelings. The nurse has to show concern and compassion, as well as provide sick persons with quality care. A good nurse has to understand and listen to each patient without judgment of a different set of values, attitudes, and religious beliefs.
Stress Resistance
A travel nursing career requires distinctive and strong character traits. Emotional stability is a skill that can be acquired. However, this takes time, experience, and patience. That being said, emotional stability should not be confused with a lack of empathy and compassion. The daily work of a travel nurse is associated with challenging situations. Given the constant psycho-emotional stress, the profession of travel nurses does not fit for faint-hearted people. So, it will not be easy for ambitious people to work in such a position.
Communication Skills
An ability to find a common language with the patients and their relatives is one of the crucial requirements of a travel nurse. It does not mean that she should always agree with the opinions of other people. A nurse’s communication skills can be manifested in different ways. A simple smile can give the patients a feeling of comfort as they know the nurse will surely take care of them. Perfect nurses also master other communication styles, and not all of them are verbal. It is necessary to communicate in a way that will make the patients feel at ease and confident that they are safe.
Fast Response
Oftentimes, nurses have to react in the event of an emergency to provide timely assistance and follow the attending physician’s orders instantly. When it comes to healthcare delivery, attention to detail is critical. Even in the busiest and hectic environment, a nurse makes sure that all the instructions, the correct dosage of medication, and accurate records are followed. An excellent travel nurse should be able to make decisions quickly. The nurse has to find an individual approach to each patient. She is often required to find creative ways to change the situation for the better.
Politeness
A good nurse should be a good psychologist. She needs to find ways to support sick persons, help with competent actions, and inspire them with encouraging words. It is known that the success of treatment much depends on the patient’s mood. An international travel nursing career requires an understanding of what is right and what is wrong from a moral point of view. Only open-minded and kind nurses can provide effective, culturally competent, and patient-centered medical assistance.
Critical Thinking and Responsibility
Critical thinking is the ability to assess reality objectively and draw rational conclusions. Thanks to this disciplined and patient-directed approach, the nurses can interpret data, prioritize patient’s needs, and accurately solve complex clinical problems. Although travel nurses most often act as part of the medical team, their work is autonomous in many cases. Their professional decisions are their sole responsibility.
Perfect Health
A travel nurse’s job is difficult not only because of the emotional but also physical stress. Frequent travel and irregular work schedules require good physical endurance. When assisting in a complex operation, the nurse has to stand in one place for a long time. Of course, some nurses’ positions require less strenuous physical activity, such as administrative. However, a nurse needs to be prepared for any workload to respond effectively to emergencies.
Conclusion
If you do not have some of these basic skills, you can still become a travel nurse by improving yourself in these areas. The main point is the desire to change and move forward. You can learn more about the moral and professional principles needed for travel nurses in the Ethics Code of the American Nurses Association.
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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!”
Throughout my 8 years of travel nursing, I have had many people ask questions and show interest in the travel nurse life. Of course, like most travel nurses’ media pages, our life looks like one big vacation! And don’t forget the big money! $$$
But hear me out for a long-winded moment…
After being on the road for these 8 years, I have a few things to discuss before you quit your permanent job and take the challenging leap to start the travel nurse life!
8 Things to Consider Before You Quit Your Permanent Job
1. Loneliness is inevitable!
You have to be very comfortable with being alone A LOT! Being away from family and friends for extended periods can take a toll on your mental health. A 3-hour time change and 6-hour plane travel doesn’t make it easy for quick trips home. I remember my first contract when I ate alone at a sit-down restaurant and went to the movie theater solo for the first time in my life.
2. New EVERYTHING!
Living arrangements, bed, grocery store, roads, gas station, church, doctors, dentist, hairstylist, weather, time change, etc. Nothing is familiar except the few things you brought along with you on your journey. I’ve lived years without Blue Plate mayonnaise, I’ve had to have bad dental work fixed by my home dentist, and I’ve even sported a mullet after a bad haircut!
3. You have to hit the floor running after only 1-3 shifts of orientation.
This includes learning new computer systems, remembering new log-ins, door codes, doctors’ preferences and personalities, different order sets, policies and procedures, and co-workers’ names and their position on the floor. You realize just how lost you are when you can’t find the simple but important things like an emesis bag quick enough for your patient.
4. Your permanent job hospital’s way is not the only CORRECT way.
Realizing the way your home hospital does things is not the ONLY correct way to do it. I don’t care if you have been a nurse for 20 years! When in Rome, you do as the Romans and move along after 13 weeks. After a few weeks of being on the floor and familiar with the staff, you can make suggestions for changes. But they do not want a stranger coming into their home trying to change things up if it’s working for them and the patients are safe.
5. Keeping up with licenses and certifications are your responsibility.
It’s difficult to keep certifications up to date when a lot of hospitals won’t allow you to take their classes that are offered to their permanent staff. I’ve driven 3 hours one way to take a course that was needed to be able to complete my file for my next contract. Also, not all companies offer reimbursements for the new state nursing license you need or the recertification that’s required to keep you compliant while on contract.
6. Nightmare Patients
More than likely, you will get the nightmare of a patient the permanent staff doesn’t want to take care of. And you will also be the first to float to a different unit before staff.
7. Scheduling
You will get minimal to zero schedule requests for specific days off or block scheduling. The purpose of your contract is to help staff and fill in their short shifts.
8. Emergency fund money
Emergency fund money is a must! Your contract could get canceled. Travel companies provide minimal to no sick time or PTO. Moving across the country costs a lot when you’re driving 2,500 miles, hotels, shipping a car, flying, and paying rent deposits. While on assignment, you also duplicate expenses at your permanent home to qualify for tax-free stipends. And who knew, but even buying a new set or condiments each time you move to a new place can get expensive!
The perks of leaving your permanent job
But as I write this, I am currently recovering from a long day sunbathing at the beach in gorgeous San Diego! (One of those cities that some people only dream of visiting). And I wouldn’t trade this life I’ve had the last 8 years for anything!
I have met some of my best friends in life. I have worked with some of the most amazing nurses in top-rated hospitals who have helped me grow my skills and knowledge. I’ve lived in cities and places only others get to vacation or dream of living. And I’ve been able to take 1-2 month long vacations between contracts to check off those bucket list countries and experiences that I would have never had the opportunity with a permanent job!
Is it perfect for every nurse?
Definitely not! You have to be realistic with your expectations, set goals, be flexible, be prepared, and focus on things you do have control over. You will learn so much about yourself as an individual, and your personal growth can be limitless. Travel nursing is not a bad life, so get out there and take the chance on what could be the start of the best adventures of your life!
We hope you found these 8 tips to consider before quitting your permanent job helpful. Do you have any tips for our readers before they quit their permanent jobs? Comment them below!
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
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!”
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