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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By Gifted Healthcare

March 30, 2018

14009 Views

Tips for Traveling with Pets on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on March 30, 2018May 19, 2021 by Gifted Healthcare

This article is sponsored by Gifted Healthcare®

Pets on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

There are many things to consider when making the jump to your next travel nursing assignment, especially if you’re a dog or cat parent. Recent events have shown how tragedy can strike a furry friend if his or her owner is not well-informed or prepared to travel with a pet.

Whether traveling by car or by plane, before embarking to your next travel nursing destination with your furry companion check out these tips and must do’s to make your traveling experience seamless, and most importantly, safe for you and your furry BFF.

Road Tripping To Your Next Destination

1.) Do a test run –

If your cat or dog isn’t used to going on car rides, go for a short ride to see if they behave well or are prone to getting car sick.

2.) Get a pet seat belt –

They can be a distraction for the driver, and they can get seriously hurt if they aren’t restrained during an accident.

3.) Have your pet’s information handy –

Better safe than sorry, make sure you have an ID tag on your pet’s collar during the drive, and that you have their health history in case of an emergency.

4.) Keep them hydrated –

Don’t forget to bring cold water in the car for them. They can get dehydrated way faster than humans.

5.) Your pet needs bathroom stops too –

Don’t forget to walk your dog or cat at the service station so they can relieve themselves and get some exercise. This will keep them calm and your car clean!

Flying With Fido

1.) Do your research –

Flying with dogs and cats is getting harder and harder each day. Every airline has a different policy on weight restrictions, breed restrictions, carrier size, etc. This is especially true if you want your animal to fly with you in the cabin. Before purchasing your ticket for your next travel nursing assignment, be sure that your pet is in the clear to fly with you.

2.) Find a TSA and airline approved carrier –

Unless your pet is a service animal, he or she will need to travel in a carrier. Make sure the carrier you purchase will be approved at TSA and at the gate. If you have the time, you should even bring the carrier to a desk agent before flying to double-check you’re in the clear.

3.) Talk to your vet –

If you think your pet will be very anxious or could get aggressive during the travel process, ask your vet if there’s any form of tranquilizing medicine you can give him or her. The less anxious your dog or cat is during the flight, the better travel experience you will have as well.

4.) Prepare to pay the fees –

The only way to avoid an airline fee when traveling with an animal is if they are a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA). Be prepared to pay anywhere from $150-250 per pet when flying with them.

5.) Purchase ID Tags –

Be sure to attach all of your contact information to your pet’s carrier and to their collar.

6.) Walk your cat or dog before flying –

Remember, not every airport has a pet relief area.

7.) Always keep your pet’s safety in mind –

Every airline has different policies, but these can be interpreted differently by different members of the crew. Trust your instinct, and if instructed to do something with your pet that seems unsafe, ask to speak with a manager.

Arriving At Your Destination

Phew, you made it to your new home with your pets! It’s now time to find a place to stay that’s comfortable for you and your pets.

1.) Find a pet-friendly hotel –

You’d be surprised how many pet-friendly hotels you’ll find these days in every city. Though most charge you a one-time pet deposit, a select few like the Aloft do not. Be sure to do your research before booking a room if they have any restrictions on the weight or number of animals per room.

2.) Make sure your future home takes pets –

Double and triple check with your Airbnb or your landlord if he or she is okay with you having pets.

3.) Prepare to pay hefty deposits –

Pet deposits vary in every city and by every landlord. From $100 per pet to even $500 per pet. Be sure to do your research and ask questions to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

4.) Update your pet’s information –

Plenty of pet owners forget this crucial part. Make sure to get your pet updated ID tags and update their microchip information in case they wander off outside the house.

You and Fido are now all set to head over to your next travel nurse assignment. Bon, voyage!

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

START HERE

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

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By HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

March 29, 2018

19407 Views

5 Things All Travel Nurses Should Consider Before Quitting a Difficult Assignment

Posted on March 29, 2018May 20, 2021 by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

This article is sponsored by HealthTrust Workforce Solutions ®

Think a bit before you quit

Two of the most important things a travel nurse considers before accepting an assignment are the pay and the location. And while many flock to the destination of their dreams, the reality can sometimes fall short of expectations. The hospital, community, and even the actual job conditions may leave any travel nurse feeling frustrated. The first step is to resolve as much of the issue or situation as possible while still fulfilling your duties. This is especially true even if the actual assignment differs greatly from the terms you agreed to in the contract. Try to get everyone on the same page calmly. It’s also important to draw on your support system during difficult times, which can be challenging since family and friends are likely a distance away. If these measures don’t prove successful and you are still contemplating quitting a difficult assignment, be sure you try to anticipate the ramifications before making a final decision. Read on for five things to consider before you quit a difficult assignment.

1.) Are the location rewards worth the work worry?
If you find yourself in an assignment that isn’t quite living up to what you had hoped, step back for a minute and remember why you are there. Chances have you selected the assignment based on the climate and lifestyle that the location could afford you. Maybe you are close to the ocean, the mountains, or a lake. You can now swim, or ski, or surf in your free time. There are significant benefits to such emotional health that are tough to measure and sometimes even tougher to appreciate until they are gone. Also, remember that there are very few, if any, perfect jobs out there. Every assignment will have its ups and downs. All facilities have their share of management challenges or personnel issues. Try to weigh your current frustrations against the benefits of your total environment. The friends you may have made, the short commute, or even a few patients which whom you have really connected. And in most cases, the travel nurse jobs are short-term, which means the end is always in sight.

2.) What will happen to the trust factor and your career?
Chances are, even if a particular assignment is not going well, you are not necessarily ready to throw in the towel on the entire travel nurse industry. That means that your reputation remains very important. Recruiters tend to spend a significant amount of time getting to know travel nurses to help match them with compatible assignments. This time and effort can seem like a total loss if you walk away from something they matched up with. This can quickly erode trust. In fact, if you cancel, you may not be eligible for rehire at that specific facility as well as at every facility in their network. You may fall further down the call list when a good assignment comes up, and worse yet, you could get totally blacklisted. If you cancel an assignment, especially with little notice, the impact reaches far beyond the agency. The void impacts hospitals, patient care delivery, your traveling colleagues, and of course, your own career. Travelers must understand that their performance follows them everywhere; agencies want to feel they have a trusted partnership.

3.) Is patient care your top priority?
As a healthcare professional, the well-being of patients should be job one every day. Broken contracts hurt the delivery of patient care, period. When shifts are not filled as planned, facilities often have very little time or resources to back-fill, which could lead to closed units for a period of time. It also leads administrators to ask their staff to do mandatory overtime until relief arrives. As you debate whether to leave an assignment prematurely, try to understand why you came to the job in the first place. Be proud of the service you are doing and the impact that spreads beyond the hospital walls. Your role is significant—your efforts and knowledge change life. Keep this perspective as you weigh the pros and cons of quitting, and be sure to talk to your recruiter and express your concerns. Most companies involved with travelers are familiar with a wide range of difficult situations and will try to help.

4.)What about your colleagues?
As a traveler, you have gained a great deal of respect and appreciation for other caregivers. You must realize that canceling a shift or quitting an assignment is very disruptive to your colleagues. They are often asked to change shifts or days off to accommodate your absence. It also causes the agency to lose money. When a travel assignment is canceled, the agency absorbs financial losses; this, in turn, affects the ability of the agency to offer the most competitive pay packages to you and other travelers.

Put the financial losses aside, and any broken contract is not good for the travel industry. Hospitals tackle the chronic staffing shortage by looking to travelers who are contracted to provide relief and serve as a reliable, professional solution. By canceling a booked assignment, you are essentially discrediting the travel industry and can cause hospitals to distrust travelers. This can quickly mean fewer assignment choices for you and your fellow travelers. Think of these broader repercussions, especially if you want to remain a traveler.

6.) What are the financial implications?
Very often, problems that arise on a travel assignment can be worked out without having to cancel the contract. It’s important that you at least try to resolve issues before walking away because there could be penalties passed along to you if an assignment is vacated without acceptable cause. For example, if the reason is not justified, you might be out of money for housing and travel. There are countless reasons—including your ability to find future work—to make sure that you, as a traveling nurse, represent your agency, colleagues, and most importantly, yourself professionally.

Have you ever had to quit a difficult assignment? What made your mind up? If you would like to share your tips for deciding to quit a difficult assignment comment them below.

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By Gifted Healthcare

March 28, 2018

7650 Views

Yoga For Travel Nurses

Posted on March 28, 2018May 20, 2021 by Gifted Healthcare

This article is provided by Gifted Healthcare®.

Whether you’re a travel nurse in Missouri, or on assignment in Texas, you’re on your feet for long hours throughout the week. Being on your feet for prolonged periods of time can cause anything from back pain to tension in the neck. Although good tennis shoes and the occasional break can help relieve your feet while on the shift, there’s nothing quite like a good yoga practice.

Find relief, both for the body and the mind, by practicing these yoga poses that release stress and pressure from the lower back, stretch the spine, and melt away soreness in the legs. They’ll be the best few minutes, or hours, you’ve ever invested in yourself. You can thank us later.

Before diving into the first pose, start with a good yoga breath to begin releasing any stress you’re carrying and to clear your mind. Check out these asana breathing tips if you’re new to yoga.

1. Yogi Squat

The yogi squat may not be your favorite pose but it has multiple benefits! First, it’ll elongate your tired spine, it will also open your hips, stretch out your calves, and finally, aid with ankle mobility. If you’re not super flexible, you can also add a block for you to sit on and be more comfortable.

2. Supine Twist

A supine twist will open the lower back and ease up tension in the shoulders. The twist will detoxify the spinal column and rinse the spine with fresh, new oxygenated blood. Additionally, this pose helps with your digestion.

3. Happy Baby

As a travel nurse, you’ve probably noticed that after a long day at the hospital, your spine is what hurts the most. This pose not only opens up your hips but also relieves and massages any pain you may have on your back.

4. Cat-Cows

Standing for long periods of time can begin to compress your spine. With cat–cows, you’ll be able to stretch and elongate your column and relieve any pressure. Don’t forget to put thought into your breath as you’re working through this asana flow, this will add extra soothing benefits to your travel nurse yoga practice.

5. Upside-Down Forward Fold

There’s nothing quite like a good forward fold. However, in this yoga session, we’re trying to relieve any pressure on your legs, ankles, and feet. Similar to plow, the upside-down forward fold will help you stretch out your lower back and hamstrings, while not putting any strain on your neck.

Take a few minutes out of your day to do a few or all of these poses. Not only will the breathing clear your mind, but the poses will also soothe your aching body. While travel nursing can be exhilarating, it will also cause you mental and physical stress – keep things fun by taking some time for yourself and stretching out those tires muscles.

PS: Don’t forget that your breathing, is just as important as the poses you’ll be doing! Additionally, feel free to modify any pose to your body’s needs; maybe you need a little more stretching, or perhaps you need a little less. Listen to your muscles and joints.

Namaste!

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 13, 2018

11755 Views

6 Reason Why It’s Important to Take a Vacation as a Travel Nurse

Posted on March 13, 2018November 10, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

While travel nursing has the perks of competitive pay, getting to visit new cities, and adventure, you’re still working. Each assignment you take offers new adventures, but it’s still important to take a work-free vacation as a travel nurse and enjoy yourself without worrying about your next shift. Taking even a short break in between assignments is a great way to arrive at your next assignment refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

6 REASONS to Vacation as a TRAVEL NURSE

1. Moving Can Be Stressful

Every seasoned travel nurse learns how to be a pro at moving every few months. However, moving into a new apartment, getting used to a new city, getting accustomed to new job duties, and getting to know new coworkers and friends can take a toll on even the most extroverted traveler. Taking a work-free vacation once a year or more is a fantastic way to de-stress and enjoy leisure time before your next assignment.

2. It’s Good for You

All nurses know the importance of mental and physical health, and practicing self-care is crucial. Nursing is a hard occupation. You’re on your feet most of the day and responsible for taking care of your patients. Stress is a major cause of heart disease and high blood pressure, and studies even show that those who vacation reduce their risk of heart disease and heart attack!

3. Vacations Make You a Happier Person

Research shows that chronic stress levels release hormones that can lead to depression and anxiety. Taking a stress-free vacation contributes to your mental health and happiness, and the effects will last longer than your vacation.

4. Taking Vacations Make you Better at your Job

Taking vacations makes you happier, and, logically, happy people perform better at work. In fact, one study showed that for each 10 additional vacation hours an employee took per year, their performance review was 8% higher.

5. Vacations Can Improve your Relationships

While it can be relaxing to vacation alone, taking vacations with family, close friends or your significant other can make your relationship stronger. Exploring new areas, enjoying stress-free leisure time without worry about work, and having new adventures together strengthens the bond with the people you care about most.

6. Vacations Help you Recharge

On assignment, you usually have a daily routine, and it’s easy to lose perspective and forget about life outside your next shift. On vacation, you have time to revisit your goals, explore new surroundings, and abandon your regular schedule to indulge in whatever you enjoy but don’t have enough time for at work. Taking regular vacations also helps prevent burnout in your career.

At Travel Nurse Across America, we know that you work hard, so we want to reward you with a free vacation! We are excited to offer three vacation choices for nurses that qualify for the promotion. Choose between a 3-day cruise, 2-nights in Las Vegas, NV, or 2-nights in Destin, FL! Whether you are ready to soak up the sun on the beach, set sail on a cruise adventure, or hit the Vegas strip, your free vacation is waiting for you!

The benefits to vacationing are clear – consider it a self-care necessity rather than an indulgence! It’s easy to say you will go on a vacation and never get around to it. You only live once, so what are you waiting for?

BECOME A TRAVEL NURSE

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By trustaff

March 8, 2018

8001 Views

How to Resolve Issues With Your Recruiter

Posted on March 8, 2018May 20, 2021 by trustaff

This article was provided by trustaff.

The relationship between a nurse and their recruiter is essential for a great experience during your travel nursing career. But every relationship isn’t perfect—you might experience some growing pains now and then it can be hard enough to address issues with the people closest to you, so how can you go about addressing your concerns with your recruiter? We’ve put together some tips that can help!

1. MAKE A LIST

When you’re approaching such a tender subject, it might be difficult to communicate your honest thoughts and feelings. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in thinking about what the other person might be feeling. Take a few minutes to write it all down.

Make a list of the issues you are having or the concerns that are frustrating you. Add in what you are looking for in a great recruiter. Do you need someone that has a similar personality? Or someone that is easily reachable? The list will help you approach the subject with your agency and communicate what you need clearly.

If you’re not exactly sure why you’re not gelling, ask yourself these questions to help get you started:

Are your personalities just not clicking?
Do they communicate enough with you?
Do you feel like they have your back?
Are they providing you with all the details you need?
Do you feel like they are listening to you?
Are they considering your priorities?
Have they taken the time to break down the contract with you?
Are they checking in on you regularly?

2. SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK

Next, send an email to your recruiter and get a specific time and date on their calendar. Scheduling out the call ahead of time gives you much needed, uninterrupted time to really talk through all your concerns and work out a system that works for both of you. The last thing you want is to get all ready for this not-so-easy conversation and not have enough time to really talk it out.

3. TALK IT OUT WITH RECRUITER

Speaking to your current recruiter about your concerns is beneficial for both of you. The conversation gives your recruiter the opportunity to learn how they can help serve you better. Every nurse is different and so is every recruiter. If you’re not getting what you need from the recruiter you have, the best way to get there is by letting them know and allowing them the opportunity to try and do better.

Some recruiters are more experienced than others and may not have nailed down how to really develop a relationship with their nurses yet. This conversation could be a great experience for them to learn how they can improve and make sure their nurses are getting the travel experience they deserve. By communicating openly about what you want and need, you are creating a stronger relationship that will be mutually beneficial for you both.

4. FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL

Immediately after your phone conversation, follow up with an email to your recruiter that summarizes what you two just talked about. Outline the conversation and any agreements that you two came to during the call. The email will create documentation that you tried to address your concerns with the recruiter and can help hold them accountable down the road.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS, REQUEST A NEW RECRUITER

After you’ve addressed your concerns and you are still aren’t getting what you need from your recruiter, it may be time to request someone new. Any agency you’re working with will be happy to help you find a recruiter within their company that is a better fit for your needs. Give the agency a call and request to speak with a recruiting supervisor. They can help match you with someone that best fits your needs.

When you hop on that first phone call with a new recruiter, go through that list you made in step one. They should know:

1. Your expectations: What does your recruiter need to do to gain your trust? How often do you want updates? What information do you need from them to be successful?

2. Your priorities. What means the most to you in a travel nursing career? What is important to you? Are you looking for some interesting locations? Do you need experience or training in a specific field?

3. Your preferences. Where do you want to go? What type of facility are you looking for? What size of city?

4. Your non-negotiables. Do you need a job in a specific town because your spouse is being transferred? Do you need pet-friendly accommodations? Think through what you can’t live without and let your recruiter know.

When you break it down for them in detail, you can develop a relationship with your recruiter that will be infinitely more beneficial to you both.

Every agency wants their nurses to have great travel experience and if you’re not, they will do everything they can to help you get there. Express your concerns as best as you can and you won’t regret it.

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By The Gypsy Nurse

March 3, 2018

17111 Views

Night Shift Nurse: Finally, A good night’s (day’s) sleep!

Posted on March 3, 2018October 31, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Many night shift nurses have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Check these tips to help you get a great night (or day’s) sleep.

Insomnia:

Insomnia is trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. Episodes may come and go (episodic), last up to 3 weeks (short-term), or be long-lasting (chronic).

Create Darkness:

Two great ways to create darkness to help you sleep better during the day are to use a Sleep mask like this one by Sleep Master or to create a dark room by using some Black-out shade or window covering like the one pictured here by Shift Shade.

Limit Noise:

Turn off your cell phone and other items that may distract you from sleeping. White noise is helpful for some to block out any external noises like the neighbor’s lawn mower or kids playing. Try this White Noise Sound Machine.

Herbal Sleep Aides
Occasional use of sleep aids may help get you to sleep if you are having trouble on a particular occasion. Get the lightest dose you can, and don’t use it daily. Using sleep aids daily can cause dependency and drowsiness during your shift. Check with your physician and ensure that there aren’t any contraindications with any prescription medications you are taking. Check these Natural Sleep Aides

Other Tips:

Get plenty of regular exercise.
Set a sleep schedule and try to stick to it even on your days off.
Set regular meal times.
Make an effort to get a moderate amount of sun. Sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D.
Maintain a Healthy Diet.

What do you do to ensure a good ‘day’s’ sleep when working the night shift? Give your tips in the comments!

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

START HERE

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

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Katie McBeth

March 1, 2018

18536 Views

The Five Benefits of Implementing Evidence Based Medicine

Posted on March 1, 2018February 3, 2023 by Katie McBeth

It seems that new technology enters our nursing lives on a daily basis.

Since the introduction of Electronic Medical Health Records (EHRs/EMRs), doctors’ offices have evolved to be very familiar with the benefits of technology; despite an initially slow adaptation and adjustment period. Although there are still a few issues with the standardization of EHRs, they are gaining favor among hospitals and researchers for allowing access to a wide net of information.

Big data – the collection and analysis of massive amounts of information through EHRs and studies – has changed the health care game for good. It has opened the door for a more successful implementation of evidence-based medicine across the country.

Currently, evidence-based medicine is praised by many doctors and leaders, but practiced by very few hospitals across our country. Despite its lack of use, it has some surprising benefits it can offer healthcare workers and patients.

Here are five facts about the promising future of evidence-based medicine (EBM).

1.) EBM and outbreak management

Many times serious outbreaks start out small with varying symptoms that are hard to pinpoint. We’ve most likely seen this on a less serious case with the annual flu season. Patients begin to trickle in with a headache, runny nose, or an ear infection, just before the full flu season breaks out and everyone is sick.

With EBM and EHRs, we can better analyze these symptoms and pinpoint the start of the flu season well before it becomes obvious. As the USC Keck School of Medicine points out in their article on technology and public health: by using geographic mapping, as well as massive collected evidence from previous flu (or other) outbreaks, we can assess and treat our patients more accurately with the help of technology.

2.) Recurrence of Admission

Evidence with a Stanford hospital has shown that recurrence of admission drops when EBM is properly implemented in hospitals and ER settings. With the help of EHRs and big data, nurses and doctors can keep track of a patient’s pattern of admission when they have been brought in with tell-tale health indicators.

It’s as simple as keeping notes on similar symptoms; doctors should notice patterns and will be able to fully assess a patient. For travel nurses, this is especially helpful. We can use the past EHRs of new-to-us patients to catch recurring symptoms, and then use the best possible options within EBM to help that patient find relief.

3.) EBMs and Understanding Illness

Since evidence-based medicine is based on – well-collected evidence, that means it is constantly changing and evolving with our understanding of health. Luckily, EHRs and health data analyzers allow us to collect and analyze information on such a large scale, and in such an instantaneous amount of time. We can keep up-to-date on the best treatments and further our understanding of new and emerging illnesses as they happen. The future is now!

4.) Consistent Care

Part of the process of implementing EBM properly includes follow-ups with patients to ensure they received the most accurate treatment path. This helps doctors catch problems before they happen, and helps patients understand their treatment plan more fully. This consistency in care can not only help travel nurses blend in but can help patients feel more trustworthy in their hospital or doctor.

5.) EBM Saves Money

When it comes to discussing health care, money is always brought up along the way. Luckily, EBM has proven to lower costs for not just patients (they have fewer and faster visits) but for hospitals too. So much of our medical spending is wasted on redundant tests and screenings, as well as on readmitting patients for treatable conditions or illnesses.

As evident in both the case of the hospital, Stanford Health (see #2), and in collecting evidence from doctors across the country; having access to patient records through EHRs and implementing evidence-based practice can help hospitals stay on track for lowering their annual expenses. In turn, this could change the very system of healthcare spending in America; but only if enough hospitals and offices catch on to the benefits.

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By The Gypsy Nurse

February 28, 2018

29394 Views

Ask A Travel Nurse: Travel Nurse Orientation

Posted on February 28, 2018January 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel Nurse Orientation:

Gypsy,

I am a new travel nurse; I’ll be starting my first contract soon. I’m nervous and excited, but most of all, I am curious to know what to expect during Travel Nurse Orientation? Will It be like a normal hospital orientation?

Thanks!
New Traveler

Thank you for reading The Gypsy Nurse. You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming A Gypsy Nurse.

Travel nurse orientation is very unpredictable. Do not expect it to be anything close to ‘normal’ hospital orientation. As travel nurses, we are expected to jump in immediately and assist during periods of the high census of low staffing. Because of this, orientation is not a priority.

Personally, I have experienced anything from a full-blown hospital orientation lasting 3 days to walking onto the floor my first day and give my patient load and told where to go to receive the report. Each hospital is different. Some things that you ‘may’ expect:

Computer Training – this can consist of nothing more than obtaining your passwords/IDs, a self-taught course, or days of classroom training.
Policies and Procedures – this could be as simple as finding the resources for full days of classroom general hospital orientation. I’ve also experienced times where I received nothing and had to seek out these resources on my own while working on the floor.
Skills Testing – Many hospitals will require some sort of testing on arrival. This may include dosage calculations, unit-specific testing, hands-on skills check-offs. This varies greatly.
Floor orientation – Again, you may or may not receive floor orientation. Most hospitals that I have worked in have given at least one day of floor orientation to work with a staff nurse and share a load for a shift or two.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to orientation is no matter how extensive, or non-existent the orientation is, make sure that you are willing to ask questions when needed. I insist on a few items on arrival before accepting patients. These items are needed to ensure the safety of my patients, and I refuse to accept a patient load until I am informed of the following:

Crash Cart
Emergency policies/procedures, codes, and numbers
Procedure for calling a code
How to reach MD
Tour of unit: med room, supplies, emergency exits, oxygen, equipment, etc.

It’s important to remember that you already ‘know’ how to be a nurse…this doesn’t change with location. Learning the charting and the details will come with time. Expect that your first week or two will be hectic and confused. This is normal. With a little time and patience on your part, things will settle in quickly.

I love hearing the opinions of my readers. Your opinion could be the perfect solution for someone. Please share your thoughts below in the comments. Do you have a question for me? Fill out the Ask A Travel Nurse form and submit your questions. In addition, if you like what you’ve read here, don’t forget to SHARE.

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Road Tripping To Your Next Destination

1.) Do a test run –

2.) Get a pet seat belt –

3.) Have your pet’s information handy –

4.) Keep them hydrated –

5.) Your pet needs bathroom stops too –

Flying With Fido

1.) Do your research –

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Arriving At Your Destination

1.) Find a pet-friendly hotel –

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

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1. Moving Can Be Stressful

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1. MAKE A LIST

2. SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK