May 3, 2018

8659 Views

Financial Decisions, Short-Term Debt and Retirement Plans for Travel Nurses

Posted on May 3, 2018February 3, 2023 by Honza Hroch – CreativeNurse

Many travel nurses have outstanding debt balances, underfunded retirement account, and short- term savings in place, but yet often have a solid regular income. Unfortunately, lifestyle and poor financial decisions often get in the way of building wealth.

Creating clarification around student loan options, understanding credit card payoff strategies, and simultaneously understanding how savings habits and retirement design implementation all are interconnected is very important.

Let’s look at some of the top questions that many travel nurses face in regards to their finances that will affect retirement and short term savings. These are all very important questions and addressing all 3 are of them should be done simultaneously but there are some natural steps and specific order of addressing the importance of each.

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By The Gypsy Nurse

May 2, 2018

11370 Views

From Detroit to the Western Slope: What I Learned During My First Travel Assignment

Posted on May 2, 2018January 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

As a twenty-something Detroit native, I like to consider myself a typical Midwestern type. Though I love everything about where I grew up, I started to feel unsatisfied. After two years in Labor and Delivery (LD) and 4.5 years as an RN… I was ready to start traveling. I made the decision just like I make most decisions in my life, quickly and without too much forethought.

When it came to choosing my travel company, I hopped online and did a little research. I contacted two companies by days end and had spoken to one recruiter. I suppose you could say it was love at first chat. The recruiter that contacted me was polite, seemingly driven, and very organized. We talked for about 40 minutes and he answered all of my questions without hesitation. The next day I told the recruiter I was ready to move. Two weeks later I accepted my first travel assignment in Grand Junction, Colorado; I was to move in four weeks. How big of a deal could it be to pack my apartment, quit my job, and move across the country? (my naivety is almost laughable).

I would like to note that while everything was a bit busy, it was completely manageable. Now finishing out the extension of my first contract, I would like to give tips and tricks I have picked up on my first travel assignment that I feel have been useful.

Phone Applications

1. EveryDollar:

I am terrible with maintaining a budget but I wanted to make sure I could put away some money before my move. I started to use “EveryDollar” to track my spending and maintain a budget of sorts. Easy to use and super helpful.

2. Hotel Tonight:

I used this during my drive across the country. I didn’t make a set plan of how far to drive each day I just did as much as I could. Using this app helps find last minute hotels in your area that are available.

3. CamScanner:

This is a lifesaver! Allows you to take a picture of your documents, convert them to PDF and mail them to your recruiter. I use this app religiously.

4. Airbnb/VRBO:

Since I had NO CLUE about anything regarding the Western Slope, and I am a little hesitant to use Craigslist as a single female, these apps made finding a living arrangement seamless.

5. REI National Parks:

I guess this is more for the explorers out there: this app is great for looking up hiking/biking/climbing trails and reading other explorer’s input on where to go/what to see. Being in Western Colorado, I have used this app a lot!

Starting at a new Hospital

Orientation:

Being a traveler, you don’t have the history you may have had as staff, and you only have 13 weeks to prove your competence. I asked a lot of questions about the charting system and their Fetal Heart monitoring program (LD specific). Familiarized myself with policies I felt would be important and made sure I followed up with my management. I familiarized myself with the OR and the scrub techs I would be working with. Have a good flow in the OR (especially in LD) is really important, especially in STAT situations.

Alone in a new town

I think the best thing I did was start to explore the town before I moved. I had seen that there was a climbing gym in the area (something I had really wanted to get into) and I signed up to join. It wasn’t too hard to meet people there. I also found it super helpful to go to the local REI and see if they had any outdoor group events coming up.

I have mastered the art of sitting and enjoying a meal alone, making small talk with strangers and trying new things without someone to join. To me, however, the best part of this job is the ways you meet new people and how quickly they become your family.

My first travel assignment has been one I’ll never forget! A lot of learning, a lot of laughing, and I have met some incredibly gifted and wonderful nurses. I am so excited to start my next contract, and share more knowledge with you guys: my gypsy family!

About The Author:

Author: Janelle Edwards, RN is a Labor and Delivery Nurse (LD).

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By The Gypsy Nurse

April 27, 2018

6117 Views

Arbor Day Guide For Traveling Nurses

Posted on April 27, 2018May 19, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Guest Post By: Jamison Czarnecki

Whether you feel established in the area you are temporarily working, or you’ve accepted a contract position in a place with no familiarity, this article will show you how to celebrate Arbor Day like a local. Arbor Day is the best day of the year to refocus your appreciation for trees and give back! Created by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, originally to promote planting trees, there are now a variety of accepted ways to share in the fun regardless of where you are living.

Learn About The Local Trees!

One of the easiest ways to celebrate on the go is to just take some time during a break and find out some of the trees around your new home. For example, you could Google “Native Trees In Northern California.” You will find a variety of trees you have probably seen around, but never knew what they were, like Redwoods, Sequoias, and the intricate Manzanita tree.

Join An Arbor Day Celebration!

There is no better way to familiarize yourself with the community than to attend a local Arbor Day event. Many events happen all over the world and involve small celebrations like a non-profit planting a tree or a municipality organizing a large festival attracting hundreds of people. Check the date, however, because Arbor Day is celebrated on different days across the world

Plant A Tree!

Even if you can’t find a local celebration to join, you can always do a small celebration yourself or with a few co-workers. Planting a tree on your own is extremely easy. You can purchase a tree from a local nursery but be sure to ask for a native one. There are many places that will allow you to plant your newly purchased native tree, just make sure to ask the property owner’s permission. Be cautious to plant the right tree in the right place taking notice of sunlight, power lines, and who will take care of the tree after you plant it. Almost all purchased trees come with information on which conditions it will do best in, so don’t let that scare you! When planting a tree, make sure you put mulch around the top of it in a bowl shape to allow water to funnel into the roots. You will feel much happier knowing that you directly helped clean the air around you, beautify your new community, and increase the value of the area.

Fund The Forest!

Ok, so getting a little dirt on your shoes isn’t your thing and the end of your shift has left you mentally exhausted, again… You can still participate anywhere you are by donating some of your hard day’s pay to an organization that celebrates Arbor Day every day! There are many organizations across the world that work passionately to lessen the impact of deforestation and our loss of trees across the world. It is estimated that 70% of all plants and animals live in our forests but are at risk of going extinct from the loss of trees. Some of the most highly respected non-profits around tree conservation are Arbor Day Foundation, Trees For The Future, Amazon Conservation Association, and Pachamama Alliance. There may even be a local nonprofit near you that you can support. While donating to a national organization will not help you familiarize yourself in your new community, it will help definitely support it indirectly. It’s a quick and convenient way to take part in Arbor Day for those of us with even the busiest commitments and still want to do our part.

Just Do Something!

Whichever action you take, make sure to have fun doing it. Arbor Day is a CELEBRATION of trees! It’s an opportunity to reflect on your days learning how to climb a branch or realize that NOW is a great time if you’ve never tried that. Take a moment to read a book, watch “The Lorax,” or even just take your break outside and look at the trees. Trees do so much for us every day, Arbor day is the day to do something for them.

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By Kathy Timbs

April 18, 2018

24463 Views

Travel Nursing as a Single Parent

Posted on April 18, 2018May 20, 2021 by Kathy Timbs

Guest Post by: Kathy Timbs.

Traveling as a Single Parent

When I first thought of traveling as a single parent, I had to take into consideration my 14-year-old. How was I going to be able to school her? Where would we stay? What would she do when I was at work? I researched these questions for about 6 months. Went on the Travel Gypsy Facebook page and started asking questions. I read what other parents did. There were a lot of nuclear families and only a few single parents at first. Then, as time went by, I found more. I found other single parents doing exactly what I wanted to do. I reached out to them via messenger and made friends. They gave me a lot of advice, from schooling, to how they actually did it.

My first assignment as a single parent was close to home.

I could stay there and just go to and from work. Just to try it. In my second assignment, I was lucky again, and it was where my aunt and uncle lived. My third assignment was in Virginia and I was from Texas. I was so nervous! Made tons of phone calls and spoke to a few people on Airbnb for the perfect place. I got all the homeschool stuff ready and got her registered online through Khan academy and Google classroom. I figured I could have her write papers about what we saw and I could grade them.

Car Loaded

In August, my daughter and I loaded up the car with what we thought we needed. It was very full! I got her withdrawn from regular school(look at your state’s requirements) and started on her homeschool path. We got a Texas flag and decided to take pictures with it at all the states we saw. I thought that would be neat for a scrapbook later.

Housing

I looked at Airbnb and found us a basement apartment in a family home, I was so nervous and excited all at the same time.

We started our trek across many states. I made it a point to stop in every state for a cave tour, museum tour, or just a picnic. It was giving us quality time that I lost with the monotony of the grind back home. We were seeing a different side of each other. We were building a stronger bond, knowing we had to rely solely each other. It’s a different type of reliance. At home, we have the safety of family to help, but now it’s just us.

Once we arrived and got moved into our new home, we looked at where we were and what there was to do in the area. We started local at first and as time went, we expanded our horizons to other states. I don’t mind driving, so if I had a few days off we would travel up to 8 hours away. We wanted to see the leaves change colors. We wanted to see the mountains and valleys. Just see the beauty around us.

I have always had an open mind and a heart to explore. I wanted my daughter to have this also. We have seen 17 states so far! We decided to get her a bracelet from Brighton. The reason why we chose Brighton is that they have charms for every state. That became “our thing”. She would get a new charm for every state we visited together. It was a neat day trip to pick them out and we could talk about what we did in each state. She kept a list of all the states we visited and we would go every six weeks and buy them($12-20 apiece including the spacers).

It has been a blessing to us!

My daughter has learned more about geography and history than any book could ever give her. It has built a bond between us that is stronger than we could have ever hoped. She has been able to complete her Freshman year 3 months early!! She would do her schoolwork while I worked. Her schedule is synched with mine. She knows that on days I work, once I leave, it’s time to buckle down. I would FaceTime her on my lunches for math tutorials if she needed it. She was able to see that she can be an independent learner and thrive! It was actually better for her since she struggled with reading. Now, she knows she can do it at her own pace so that stress was lifted and she excelled!

Socializing

People ask me, what about dances and prom? I tell them that she never really wanted to do them, but, she also makes friends through local churches that have teen programs. So, options are still available. This next trip, she is joining a travel basketball club! So, she will make friends and get to play a sport.

Traveling as a single parent with a child may need some extra work, but I would not change this lifestyle for anything in this world! All the positive that was given to our family and watching my daughters’ self-esteem grow was worth all the sacrifices!!

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By Host Healthcare

April 12, 2018

7664 Views

10 Healthy Meal Planning Tips For Travel Nurses

Posted on April 12, 2018November 28, 2023 by Host Healthcare

This article is provided by Host Healthcare

As a travel nurse, you are always on the go. From traveling between assignments to the fast pace work responsibilities, your days can be jam-packed. One of the things that suffer during busy days is eating healthy meals. Lack of healthy meals could lead to fatigue, lack of concentration, and more serious conditions like obesity. That is why we created these 10 healthy meal planning tips for travel nurses.

Identify Healthy Meals.

The first step to eating healthy is knowing what to eat. Healthy meal planning tips for travel nurses start with knowing healthy foods to eat. There are plenty of websites or magazines you can read to find healthy recipes. In addition, ask your other nurses what healthy foods they eat.

Planning.

After you know what to eat, the next step has a meal plan. Having a plan of what you will eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will help you from eating a bunch of junk food. If you need assistance, there are apps and calendars to help you plan your meals accordingly.

Cook At Home.

Being a travel nurse, you might not have every cooking tool you have at home. However, cooking at home is a great way to eat healthily. Cooking at home allows you to make sure the ingredients are healthy. In addition, you can control your portion sizes instead of eating a large plate of dinner out.

Pack Your Meals.

Bringing your meals to work will ensure you have healthy meals and snacks to eat during your shift. Packing your meals ensures you don’t eat something quick in the cafeteria that provides no nutritional value.

Take Your Time Eating.

Did you know it actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body it’s had enough food? Other benefits of eating healthy include better digestion and greater satisfaction with our meals.

Drink Plenty of Water.

While water isn’t a meal, drinking water is very important in planning and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that drinking water has a major effect on energy levels and brain function. So be sure to drink your eight 8-ounces glasses of water per day.

Have Plenty of Snacks.

This is the biggest thing that gets in the way of eating healthy—everyone snacks. As a travel nurse, you are running around throughout the day. Be sure you bring plenty of snacks to your shift. Great snack ideas include fruits, vegetables, almonds, baked sweet potato chips, or healthy bars.

Portion Control For Eating Out.

It’s unrealistic to think you will eat a home-cooked meal for every meal. It’s okay to eat out. But when you do, make smart choices. One of the easiest ways to eat healthily is to box half your entrée before getting to the table. This will help you not to eat large portions of food.

Know How Much You Should Eat.

Everyone’s body is different. The way we metabolize the food and beverages we consume is different. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how much to eat and track what you eat. Use a site like Super Tracker or Choose My Plate to understand how much you should be eating based on yourself.

Give Yourself A Cheat Day.

As a travel nurse, you aren’t expected to eat clean meals every day. Cut yourself some slack. If you’ve had a tough week or going out with friends, don’t feel like you must eat veggies while drinking water. You’ll be surprised when you give yourself one day that you end up eating well the other days of the week.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you have a good idea of healthy meal planning tips for travel nurses. These tips are not one size fits all. Be sure you tailor these suggestions to your dietary preferences, lifestyle, and schedule to have easy meal planning and a healthier diet.

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By The Gypsy Nurse

April 10, 2018

7873 Views

Getting from A to B and Back Again

Posted on April 10, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

The most reliable vehicles are worth a look.

For many travel nurses, your car is your primary mode of transportation in terms of getting to your assignment destination as well as traveling to and from work. As such, reliability is key when it comes to choosing the right make and model. The Gypsy Nurse has compiled the following information on car reliability to help you choose which car might be right for you if you’re in the market for a new or used car.

Auto research firm J.D. Power and Associates released the results of its 2016 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which surveyed 33,560 original owners of 2013 model-year cars. They were surveyed after three years of ownership in order to explore how the car held up over time, what problems arose and overall experience.

There is a trend with car ownership whereby people are keeping cars longer. Taking a look at how well cars hold up over time makes good sense before you make an investment. Of course, you need to consider your personal use as well. For example, how many miles per week to you expect to log? This will factor on not only wear and tear but also your costs for fuel and routine maintenance such as oil changes.

Top honors in dependability, overall quality, performance, and design are among JD Power’s ratings.

Top-rated city car
Fiat 500
Overall quality rating: 2 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 5 out of 5

Top-rated compact car
Buick Verano
Overall quality rating: 3 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 4 out of 5

Top-rated compact premium car
Lexus ES
Overall quality rating: 4 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 4 out of 5

Top-rated compact sporty car
Mini Cooper
Overall quality rating: 3 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 3 out of 5

Top-rated large car
Buick LaCrosse
Overall quality rating: 3 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 2 out of 5

Top-rated midsize car
Chevrolet Malibu
Overall quality rating: 4 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 3 out of 5

Top-rated midsize premium car
Lexus GS
Overall quality rating: 4 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 4 out of 5

Top-rated midsize sporty car
Chevrolet Camaro
Overall quality rating: 5 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 2 out of 5

Top-rated small car
Honda Fit
Overall quality rating: 4 out of 5
Overall performance and design rating: 2 out of 5

The data also shows that Chrysler and Jeep are the most improved brands, each reducing the number of problems by 28 PP100 from 2015. General Motors receives seven model-level awards, followed by Toyota Motor Corporation with six and Hyundai Motor Company and Volkswagen AG, each with four.

For the full results on the reliable vehicles and methodology about the 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study, click here.

Also, don’t forget to pack your car with important items that could help you be better prepared in case of a breakdown situation or emergency preparation.

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By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

April 6, 2018

7982 Views

5 Destinations for Travel Nurses to Cross Off Their Baseball Bucket List

Posted on April 6, 2018January 16, 2023 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

This article was provided by OneStaff Medical.

Opening day of the major league baseball season just passed and that makes this an exciting time of year for baseball fans. If you’re a travel nurse who loves America’s pastime, the travel assignments you accept during the summer can put you in the same location as some of the nation’s most famous ballparks. So whether you want to support your favorite team out on the road or simply take in the famous locations that make baseball great, keep these five destinations in mind when considering your travel nursing options.

1. San Francisco

Home to the San Francisco Giants and AT&T Park, the Bay Area hosts several exciting places to visit. On the baseball front, AT&T Park has been host to plenty of recent baseball history and the park itself offers stunning views of the bay. Watch a game from the stands or grab a kayak and paddle out into McCovey Cove beyond right field. You may just catch your most unique home run ball ever.

2. Boston

Fenway Park and the Green Monster in left field are iconic Boston staples, but this stadium is chock-full of history. In fact, Fenway Park is 105 years old and it’s lost none of its ability to generate excitement over that time. Take a seat in the stands and feel the ghosts of past greats around you.

3. Baltimore

Oriole Park at Camden Yards first opened in 1992 and its sleek retro design revolutionized the way baseball stadiums were created while inspiring the look of parks like Comerica Park and Citi Field.

4. Chicago

The Windy City is the first location on our list to feature two major league ball clubs, but when people think of iconic stadiums, the Cubs’ Wrigley Field takes center stage. Nearly as old as Fenway Park, Wrigley is known for its famous ivy-covered outfield walls. Don’t forget to throw the opposing team’s home run ball back if you have the nerve. Wrigley is also famous for its weekday games, a great opportunity depending on your assignment schedule.

5. New York

Don’t worry, New Yorkers, we haven’t forgotten you or Yankee Stadium. Perhaps the most well-known franchise in all of the American sports, the New York Yankees call this Bronx citadel home. Stroll through Monument Park and soak up the history of all the greats that have worn this uniform. Much of baseball’s lore is steeped in pinstripes.

That’s our list. Now we want to hear from you. Which stadiums are on your bucket list and where would you like to travel to watch a game?

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By The Gypsy Nurse

April 5, 2018

14747 Views

7 Signs of a Great Travel Nurse

Posted on April 5, 2018May 20, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

This article is provided by Yuma Regional Medical Center

Here at The Gypsy Nurse, our community of over 100,000 travel nurses allows us to interact every day with wonderful travel nurses from all across the country. While each Gypsy may have different reasons for choosing this unique profession, we’ve found some consistent traits in what tends to make for a successful travel nurse that make them stand out as a healthcare professional. While this list may not cover everything, here are 7 traits that great travel nurses share.

1. Compassion

There are many responsibilities and duties that a travel nurse has but being able to do them while also being compassionate is what makes a truly exceptional travel nurse. Many people go out of their way to help others, but travel nurses actually fly across the country to where they are needed most to help those in need. Those that are not in the nursing field can only imagine how exhausted a travel nurse is during a long shift or how they must feel while taking care of a patient who must’ve woken up on the wrong side of the hospital bed; for a nurse to make each patient feel cared for after a day like this is truly amazing.

2. Flexibility

We don’t really mean being able to touch your toes (but if you’re able to, that’s awesome too!) but schedule-wise. When travel nurses are planning on going to a different location, not only are they going to be working, but on days when they aren’t working or have a little time, they might want to go out and explore a bit. Some nurses might keep a list of places they would like to go to and activities they’d want to partake in, which is something we would definitely do!! Yet, it can get quite difficult to balance work and play. They need to give their 100% while they work that best fits what the employer wants, but it’s equally important to go out, try something different and relax! If you’re able to master this, you need to write a book.

3. Adventurous

Many people talk or dream about picking up their belongings and moving to another place where they’ve always wanted to go, which is pretty ambitious, but travel nurses actually do it. That takes some serious courage because doing something like that is a lot easier said than done. Of course, all travel nurses run into some bumps in the road. It can be overwhelming, but moving past them and continuing what they do while having the desire to see even more of what the world has to offer they travel is truly inspirational.

4. Self-Disciplined

With a new city, new surroundings, and after-work temptations, some travel nurses can inadvertently slip into situations where they exercise poor judgment regarding food, exercise, and spending too much of that weekly paycheck! But one trait that great travel nurses share is self-discipline. It’s tempting to order food or go out and eat frequently but stopping by the local supermarket and picking up some groceries is the alternative that saves more money! As much as travel nurses look out for other people’s health, they also need to look after their own; exercising should be done every week! Exercise options include: walking/running, dancing, yoga, or coming up with a 15-minute work out routine that can be done on the road

5. Open-Mindedness

Being a travel nurse is a non-conventional profession, which is what makes it exciting and unique, but there are times where it might present some challenges. One of them is moving to a new place and settling in, but the nurses are willing to embrace the change! Also, when travel nurses start in a new place to work, the assignments that they are given might not be what they expect. Sometimes the people working there want to see how you work under certain conditions and test your skills. If the travel nurse keeps an open mind, pushes through, and shows everyone what they’re made of every day, they will definitely succeed.

6. Adaptability

Travel nurses have to adapt to a new state/city, work environment, living way, etc. If a nurse is planning on doing this for a while, they’ll have to adapt to something new every couple of months, which can be really eye-opening! Every city has its own layout and different ways of transportation, so prepared travel nurses should arrive at their new location early and find the place they’re working at, where they will live, and how to get there. Also, they should figure out where some of the closest food markets and pharmacies are. They should also keep in mind that the place they will be working at might operate differently from the last place and be prepared to adapt to the new setting.

7. Approachability

It’s understood that when a travel nurse is on assignment in a different city for the first time, they’re the “newbie.” To make the most of their time in this new environment, it’s important to build relationships. A travel nurse looking for short or long-term relationships with the new people they encounter should be welcoming and approachable. A Nurse should be confident in their ability to perform their tasks and be friendly to the people surrounding them.

Travel nurses are such incredible people who are so passionate about what they do. Great travel nurses possess most, if not all, of these qualities — this is what makes them successful. If you possess any of these qualities and want to start or continue being a travel nurse, check out over 100,000 of these great opportunities on our Gypsy Nurse Job Board, and let us help you find your next adventure! If you think we missed any traits, travel nurses, please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 5, 2018

10779 Views

Five Reasons Why EMR Conversions Make Great Travel Assignments

Posted on April 5, 2018January 16, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article is sponsored by Travel Nurse Across America®

Guest Post By: Brittany Bennett

Over the years, EMR conversions have become a very popular reason to hire travel nurses. Facilities across the country are changing or upgrading their EMR systems and require an increase in staffing to perform these changes and get everyone trained on the new system. One of my very first travel assignments was an EMR conversion. I had no idea what to expect and was nervous enough being a newbie to travel nursing. Little did I know, it would be one of my better contracts and the knowledge learned would assist me in many other assignments and areas of my life. While working EMR conversions can come with challenges, here are five reasons why they just may be one of your greatest travel assignments.

Strengthening your resume

It’s no surprise that being able to operate more than one EMR system comes in handy as a nurse. We are already some of the best multi-taskers in the business, and being able to go from job to job while easily adapting to a different computer program makes you even more marketable for future jobs. With the market becoming more and more competitive for desirable locations and pay, being able to list a knowledge base of several EMR systems and completion of conversion assignments may give you a boost above another applicant.

Learning a new skill

Travel nurses are regularly referred to as adventure seekers. We like challenges and welcome new information. If you are already familiar with an EMR system, then life will just be all the easier for you. While permanent staff are stressed out and possibly struggling with changes, your presence will be doubly valued and you may be asked to be a resource or even placed in a position of supervision during the conversion. If the system is new to you, classes are required during your contract and often take the place of bedside hours worked during that time. During my first EMR conversion, I had two and a half weeks of classes and limited bedside hours. Getting paid to learn a new skill and taking a break from patient care can be very nice!

Opportunity for better pay

EMR conversions can be demanding. You are balancing patient care along with the system conversion and it is no doubt a high-stress environment for everyone working, especially during a “go-live” shift. Because of the extra strain on the staff, hospitals will sometimes offer incentives for their permanent staff and pay their travelers a higher rate than a non-conversion assignment. Conversions are also more popular in higher-paying states like California or Massachusetts. While the pay may not be a deciding factor when considering an EMR conversion, a little extra cash for off-day adventuring never hurts.

Make more travel buddies

During my first EMR conversion assignment, I was one of 10-12 travel nurses in the emergency department where I was working. This made for instant new friends and travel partners. Hospitals going through EMR conversions need lots of additional staff and you have a better chance at not being the only traveler in your department (been there, done that) by working a conversion. Permanent staff members are also fun friends (I’ve made some great ones!), but fellow travel nurses tend to understand the lifestyle a little better and are almost always up for exploring the temporary surroundings.

Great food!

Let’s be honest here. I don’t know a single nurse who would turn down free food. Funny yes, but what’s better than the sudden appearance of a delicious pizza, sub sandwich, or chocolate during a crazy shift? The hospital and management know the staff is under pressure, and they are typically good at showing up with or sending in food during those times. Sometimes even the physicians and/or staff purchase food for the shift or organize a pot luck meal. It’s a nice perk, even if it isn’t the first or last thing you think of when deciding on an assignment.

As mentioned, EMR conversions are not without challenges or issues. Travel nurses must be ready to take on the demands of such an assignment. Showing up with a positive attitude and readiness to learn or help teach is a necessity in these types of jobs. If you have ever considered or are considering working an EMR conversion, I urge you to try it at least once. The advantages far outweigh the bad stuff and you won’t be disappointed.

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Top questions from travel nurses

How much should I save into my company-sponsored retirement plan?

Should I accelerate the payments on my student loans, credit cards and other debts?

Where and how much emergency savings should I have in place?

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Phone Applications

1. EveryDollar:

2. Hotel Tonight:

3. CamScanner:

4. Airbnb/VRBO:

5. REI National Parks:

Starting at a new Hospital

Orientation:

Alone in a new town

About The Author:

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Learn About The Local Trees!

Join An Arbor Day Celebration!

Plant A Tree!

Fund The Forest!

Just Do Something!

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Traveling as a Single Parent

My first assignment as a single parent was close to home.

Car Loaded

Housing

It has been a blessing to us!

Socializing

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Identify Healthy Meals.

Planning.

Cook At Home.

Pack Your Meals.

Take Your Time Eating.

Drink Plenty of Water.

Have Plenty of Snacks.

Portion Control For Eating Out.

Know How Much You Should Eat.

Give Yourself A Cheat Day.

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The most reliable vehicles are worth a look.

Top honors in dependability, overall quality, performance, and design are among JD Power’s ratings.

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