November 19, 2024

2885 Views

Holiday Gift Guide for Travel Nurses

Posted on November 19, 2024November 18, 2024 by Triage Healthcare Staffing

Triage Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

Nurses work tirelessly, and travel nurses are no exception. If you’re shopping for a travel nurse this holiday season, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our holiday gift guide for travel nurses that goes beyond the ubiquitous Starbucks gift card.

Holiday Gift Guide for Travel Nurses:

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: Good Shoes and Compression Socks

Nurses spend so much time on their feet that a good pair of comfortable shoes is a must. And if you’ve never tried compression socks, you don’t know what you’re missing. Compression socks work by increasing blood circulation in the legs, which means more oxygen and nutrients in the legs, boosting energy levels and allowing you to be on your feet without pressure.

Then, go for a good pair of shoes. Popular brands are Brooks, Hoka, and On Cloud, but what works for one nurse may not work for another. If you’re not sure what type of shoes your favorite nurse prefers, consider a gift card to a sporting goods store instead. That way, they can try them on to make sure the shoes are comfy.

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: A Taste of Home

If your loved one isn’t able to come home for the holidays, consider sending a taste of home to them. Whether it’s a favorite pizza place that will send frozen pies, coffee from their favorite local roaster, or another treat that they can’t get on assignment, a taste of home is always appreciated.

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: Massage Gun or Massage Membership

Massage guns have become more popular (and more affordable than ever). They’re a great way to ease sore muscles, especially after a 12-hour shift. Look for one with different attachments, a long battery life, and multiple speeds to ensure that you’re buying one that will tackle hard-to-reach knots.

Alternatively, consider a massage membership for your favorite travel nurse. These memberships allow you to gift a pre-paid massage on a weekly or monthly basis. They’ll be able to use it at any location whenever they choose.

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: Local Experiences

One of the benefits of being a travel nurse is the opportunity to explore other locations. Take some time to do a little research into their temporary location to see if there are any must-not-miss experiences and gift them one. It’s even better if you can schedule a time to come visit and explore the area together.

Tis Better to Give Than Receive

Shop local is the name of the game if you’re a healthcare traveler looking for gifts for your loved ones. Talk to the folks working at your facility and see what the best local treats are. Bring them to share and enjoy if you’re able to head home for the holidays. Some common treats include specialty coffee, chocolates, baked goods, or microbrew beer.

Whether you’re a travel nurse or have one in your life, this holiday gift guide for travel nurses can help with gifts that are sure to be appreciated. What do you have on your holiday gift guide for travel nurses in your life? Comment below.

Looking for an agency that’s committed to treating you with honesty and candor? Triage Staffing listens to what you want and then shoots you straight so you can make the decision that’s right for you. To connect with a Triage recruiter, apply for a travel nurse job on the Triage website.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

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By Medical Solutions

November 18, 2024

4073 Views

Why Do Travel Nurses Get Paid More?

Posted on November 18, 2024November 15, 2024 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Ever wondered why travel nurses seem to pull in higher paychecks than staff nurses? The reasons go beyond just dollars and cents. Travel nurses step into specific roles that fill urgent gaps or cover high-need areas, which means hospitals and agencies often pay a premium for their flexibility. It’s about timing, location, and needing someone ready to jump in quickly, whether for a seasonal surge or a specialized role. This unique setup helps support staff nurses by bringing in reinforcements exactly when they’re needed most. Now, let’s take a closer look at all the components that factor into a travel nurse’s paychecks.

Filling Critical Gaps

Healthcare doesn’t take a day off, but it does have seasons—times when the demand for skilled nurses skyrockets. Travel nurses help hospitals fill those critical gaps fast, and by hopping into assignments when demand is high, they give facilities the flexibility they need. As such, they are compensated for being ready to step in at a moment’s notice. That ability to keep healthcare running smoothly, wherever and whenever needed, makes travel nurses invaluable.

Specialized Skills = Specialized Pay

Nursing specialties come with a whole set of advanced skills and certifications, and facilities rely on travel nurses to bring their specialized know-how, paying higher rates for those unique skill sets. Plus, specialized travel nurses have flexibility and adaptability worth their weight in gold, moving seamlessly between roles and locations where needed.

Location, Location, Location

Where you take your assignment can significantly impact your earnings. States like California and New York offer increased compensation due to higher living costs. However, location isn’t just about the cost of living—some states simply have a more significant need for nurses, meaning travel nurses can earn top dollar. So, depending on where you want to land, travel nursing lets you maximize your earnings in high-demand spots across the country.

Bonuses and Extra Incentives

It’s not just the paycheck that sweetens the deal! Travel nursing agencies, like Medical Solutions, often offer bonuses to recognize your commitment. With loyalty and referral bonuses, you can put a little extra cash in your pocket just by doing what you do best. For example, at Medical Solutions, you can earn a $600 loyalty bonus for every 600 hours worked and $500 for each friend you refer.

Benefits Built for the Traveler

Travel nurses can access benefits that go well beyond base pay. Think health, dental, and vision insurance from day one, along with 401k plans and licensure reimbursements. With travel nursing, you get the security of a benefits package designed for you, wherever you work. It’s a complete setup, so you can focus on what you love without missing a beat on the benefits front.

Housing and Travel Stipends

Traveling to a new place is exciting, but finding housing in a new city? Not always. That’s where travel nursing agencies come in. Many agencies provide non-taxable housing stipends or arrange housing for you. Plus, if you’d rather pick your own housing arrangements, there’s the option of a stipend to cover your chosen accommodation. And travel costs? Those are often covered by the agency, too. Check with your chosen agency to see what is or is not covered with a stipend.

Licensing and Certification Perks

Moving around means new licenses and possibly more certifications. Fortunately, agencies often reimburse these costs, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses. From licensing fees to continuing education, travel nursing has your back, allowing you to broaden your horizons easily.

Adding it All Up

From specialized skills to bonuses, location flexibility, and the added perks that come with travel nursing, it’s clear why these nurses earn more. Travel nurses are on the frontlines of addressing critical staffing needs, often moving across the country to fill gaps and support facilities in high-stress situations. They’re compensated for their expertise, adaptability, reliability, and willingness to step into a role at a moment’s notice.

In short, travel nurses bring flexibility, experience, and resilience to every assignment—and the pay reflects that. If you’re ready to maximize your earnings, explore new locations, and shape your own career path, travel nursing with Medical Solutions might just be the opportunity that lets you have it all.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

November 15, 2024

3238 Views

Planning Your 2025 Travel Nurse Assignments

Posted on November 15, 2024November 13, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

If you haven’t started thinking about your 2025 travel assignments, it’s time to get a jump-start on planning your travel nursing assignments for the new year. January is a high-demand time for healthcare travelers – and you don’t want to miss out on the best assignments. Planning now can help secure your ideal role while giving you peace of mind through the holiday season. Here’s a step-by-step guide to kickstarting your assignment search.

Planning Your 2025 Travel Assignments:

Decide Where You Want To Go On Assignment

Choosing the right location is a big part of the travel nursing experience, and the new year offers fresh opportunities to explore. Here are a few things to consider when choosing where you want to travel to:

Bucket List Destinations: If there’s a place you’ve always wanted to work, now’s the time to check its seasonal demand. Keep in mind why you want to travel to this location. Ask yourself if winter is an ideal season to visit based on climate, cost of living, and what you hope to get out of your assignment there.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Whether it’s higher pay, gaining experience in a different work environment, or moving up in your field, consider what locations or facilities can help you advance your career.

Utilize Your Agency’s Support and Resources

Securing an assignment can take a lot of time and planning. High-demand areas can make it especially more challenging to secure the right housing and ensure you are travel-ready. Where will you stay? Are your credentials and licenses ready for the location you want to go? How will you get there, and when should you travel?

Take advantage of your agency’s resources like housing, compliance, benefits, and perks programs to help you figure out all the logistics. Not every agency offers these kinds of benefits and support, but traveling with an agency that does can make a world of difference in planning your travel assignments. Ask your agency how they can assist you beyond securing your contract.

Build a Strong Relationship With Your Recruiter

Recruiters are a valuable asset in your travel nursing journey. They can help guide you to roles that match your goals and offer support throughout the entire assignment process.

Here’s how to get the most from your recruiter:

Communicate Your Goals Clearly: Be open about your preferences, priorities, and career ambitions. The more your recruiter knows, the better they can match you with an assignment that aligns with your goals.
Check-In Regularly: Maintaining open communication with your recruiter can help them better understand your needs and preferences over time. It’s also a great way to get updates on new opportunities or ensure any issues are addressed early on.
Listen to Feedback: Good recruiters provide honest advice based on their expertise. They’re here to help you succeed, and their insights can guide you toward better decision-making on each assignment.

Learn More With TNAA’s Webinar

Join TNAA for their webinar on planning your 2025 travel assignments —happening on Tuesday, November 19! Our industry experts are sharing everything you need to know and consider for kickstarting your 2025 travel journey with the best assignment for you. Register today!

Can’t make the live session? Register to watch on-demand after the live event!

Secure Your Ideal Assignment for 2025 Now

Early planning is the key to ensuring a smooth start to 2025. By thinking through your goals, exploring a range of locations, and working closely with your recruiter, you’ll be able to line up an assignment that suits both your travel nursing goals, aspirations, and personal interests. Here’s to a 2025 filled with adventure and opportunity!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Go Healthcare Staffing

November 13, 2024

3297 Views

The Truth About Healthcare Job Boards

Posted on November 13, 2024November 8, 2024 by Go Healthcare Staffing

Go Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

The introduction and popularity of job boards or “job sites” have transformed how healthcare professionals search, find, and apply for travel positions. These platforms promise convenience and a broad selection of opportunities, attracting thousands of travel nurses, therapists, and other healthcare workers. However, beneath the surface of these seemingly straightforward tools lies a web of hidden costs and challenges.

The Truth About Healthcare Job Sites:

The Allure of Job Sites

Before we explore the disadvantages of using these platforms, there are certainly some perceived and even realized benefits. Travel healthcare job sites boast an extensive range of job listings from various healthcare facilities and staffing agencies. They offer the promise of a streamlined job search experience, often featuring user-friendly interfaces, advanced search filters, and alerts, and ease the organization of required documents. While these sites can seem like the perfect solution, this convenience comes at a price. To help job seekers better understand this area, here are some of the direct and indirect costs travelers may experience with job sites:

Lower Pay

Many sites operate on a per-placement basis, charging staffing agencies or employers to list their positions. While these costs are sometimes absorbed by the staffing agency, they usually have an indirect effect on the compensation offered to job seekers. More often, agencies adjust their pay rates to cover these additional expenses, resulting in lower overall earnings for healthcare professionals.

User Subscription Fees

Some job boards require job seekers to pay for premium subscriptions to access the best opportunities or additional features. These fees can add up quickly, especially for travelers exploring multiple positions or wanting specialized job alerts. Users are also subject to unexpected changes in fee structures or increased fees, resulting in unwanted additional costs.

Data Privacy Risks

Travelers use job boards to share personal and professional information on multiple platforms. The more places you store your personal information, the more risk there is of data breaches or misuse of your sensitive information—including identity theft. Travelers must be cautious about where they submit their information and how it is handled by these sites.

Shortage of Active Job Listings

Despite the impressive breadth of opportunities showcased, it’s not unusual to find many listings out of date. Job aggregator sites pull information from various sources, and the site is only as reliable as the information it acquires elsewhere. Without quality control processes in place, healthcare professionals may spend valuable time applying for positions that are inaccurate, no longer available, or already filled.

Lack of Personalized Support

Perhaps the most significant disadvantage travelers find with job platforms is the nonexistent personalized support compared to traditional staffing agencies. Candidates may face challenges in understanding the nuances of different assignments as well as negotiating terms without the availability of dedicated recruiters to provide guidance and answer questions. This is particularly problematic for those new to traveling, as a lack of support leads to confusion and missed opportunities. Recruiters are far better suited to help manage the details of your contract, including PTO and special requests.

Employer Considerations

It’s important to note that just as travelers deal with some downsides, facilities are also faced with several challenges using job sites. These challenges often translate to a negative impact on candidates. Employers find candidates are not thoroughly vetted, and while these sites cast a wide net, they may attract a large volume of unqualified or mismatched candidates. The increased visibility of job listings on job sites can also lead to greater competition for the same pool of candidates.

Relying heavily on these sites makes employers extremely vulnerable to operational issues, faulty algorithms, and technical difficulties that can slow or halt the recruitment process. As a result of these challenges, employers may lose confidence and often turn to reputable agencies to optimize their recruitment and search processes.

Agency Options

Staffing agencies that specialize in jobs for travel healthcare professionals can offer many advantages to job sites. For starters, agencies have dedicated personnel managing the relationships with facilities and can offer thousands of job options to travelers. And, without the additional fees to post on various platforms, agencies can offer more competitive pay packages.

Perhaps the most significant benefit is the personal relationship with your recruiter. An experienced recruiter can help you find a rewarding assignment that fits best with your personality, lifestyle, and professional goals. What’s more, the recruiters are backed by an agency team that is focused on supporting you throughout your assignment. Many travelers, especially newer ones, depend on this network of support not only to secure the assignment but also to support them when facing any challenges along the way. The best part is that your recruiter can even help you extend or line up your next assignment in advance.

Closing Thoughts

Job sites offer a lot of bells and whistles. They spend money on fancy marketing and impressive technology to cultivate thousands and thousands of jobs in one place—most of which are of no interest to an individual job seeker. It’s important to keep in mind that those features come at a price. That price usually costs the traveler lower wages or fees.

If you would prefer to develop a relationship with someone who can help hand-pick assignment options that best fit your criteria, an agency is the better choice. Not only will you gain assistance in understanding and negotiating your contracts, but there’s a good chance you will earn more as well. In addition to higher pay rates, agencies have more flexibility to extend signing bonuses, incentives, and perks to travelers.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By AB Staffing Solutions

November 8, 2024

2639 Views

Mastering Networking: Essential Strategies for Travel Nurses Seeking Opportunities

Posted on November 8, 2024November 2, 2024 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

The networking opportunities for a travel nurse are vast. You will meet other professionals in your industry in every location, from fellow nurses to specialists to hospital administrators. The connections you make can help to boost your career and broaden your horizons. 70% of all jobs are landed through networking. Of course, networking doesn’t happen automatically. It’s all too easy to get head-down in your work during each assignment and miss those golden opportunities to network. You can also network outside your travel nursing routines by reaching out and taking proactive steps to connect.

How can you fit networking into your busy schedule as a travel nurse? How can you master your professional network when seeking new opportunities? We have several useful strategies that you can incorporate into your plans to build your network and find great future jobs.

Leverage Social Media and Professional Platforms

Social media networking requires some investment in regular online activity, but many find social media discussions to be a relaxing and fun way to network.

Build a Professional Brand

Start by using LinkedIn and specialty forums to hone your professional brand. Build an online persona that is the best facet of yourself and represents who you are as a nurse. Include your professional title, specializations, and credentials on the profile page of each of your social media accounts. You can also build your professional presence by regularly answering questions and responding to discussions with practical medical truths. Choose a specific “voice” or tone and specific types of questions you often answer to define your professional brand.

Connect with Recruiters and Industry Leaders

Once you have built a professional page, begin reaching out to connect with recruiters and leaders in the healthcare industry. 84% of employers use social media for recruitment, and 86% of job seekers use social media as part of their job search. Join social media groups, discussions, and audience followings where you will become a recognized and valued member of online communities.

Attend Conferences and Workshops: Making the Most of It

In addition to traveling for your nursing assignments, you can meet even more medical industry professionals by attending conferences and workshops. These are an opportunity to build your insights and learn about the latest techniques while also meeting valuable new members of your network. 77% of business professionals find that live conferences provide the best networking opportunities. How do you make the most of your conference attendance?

Effective Networking

Don’t be shy to greet the person next to you at any moment. Go out there with the goal of making friends and connections. Chat with the person standing next to you in line, sharing a catered dinner table, or sitting with you in a workshop. Every meal is a chance to eat with a new friend; even brief conversations can end with swapping numbers or LinkedIn profiles.

Remember, everyone else is also likely looking to network, so you are helping out by being bold and friendly.

Engage with Keynote Speakers and Workshop Leaders

Don’t be shy about talking with the keynote speakers and workshop leaders. Share your most insightful thoughts or profound questions. You may earn the attention of someone with growing power in the healthcare industry, and your connection will grow stronger if you see them again at future workshops and events.

Follow Up to Nurture New Connections

Don’t forget to follow up with everyone you meet. Keep phone numbers, remember personal facts about each person, and reconnect after the conference. Send text messages, emails, and social media invites with a friendly request to keep in touch and remain networked friends. If you receive a follow-up, respond with cheer and start the conversation going again. You may earn not just network connections but also valuable new friends.

Join Professional Nursing Associations and Groups

One of the best ways to network in the modern age is to join professional groups for practicing nurses. Both official associations and online groups will give you a chance to meet and build your network with other members of the group. You might get invitations for meet-ups and have opportunities to visit your groups in person on future assignments to build a bond.

Associations for Travel Nurses

Explore different nursing associations to find those that work well for travel nurses and align with your specializations. Here are just a few that might help you get started:

American Travel Health Nurses Association (ATHNA)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
National Association of Clinic Nurse Specialists (NACNS)

Participating in Local and National Events

Once you have chosen an association (or several), keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved. Participate in local events and make plans to attend national events where you and other nurses will gather for shared training, workshops, charity causes, and more. You will discover great opportunities to network while making a name for yourself within your nursing organizations.

Networking Through Association Involvement

You can also get directly involved with your association. You can contribute to discussions, help plan events, and connect with fellow association members through shared websites and social media venues.

Build Connections with Each Travel Nursing Job

Last but not least are the valuable connections you can cultivate with each new travel nursing assignment you take. Travel nursing allows you to visit many different hospital and clinic environments all over the country. You may find yourself working in prestigious hospitals or alongside skilled specialists as a valued temporary member of the team. The friendships you build and the respect you inspire in each role can help you in the future if you make an effort to include each assignment’s colleagues as new additions to your network.

If you are looking for your next travel nursing job to grow your skills and professional horizons, we can help. AB Staffing specializes in connecting skilled travel nurses with appealing assignment opportunities in every state.

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By trustaff

November 6, 2024

2103 Views

Celebrating Allied Health Professionals Week

Posted on November 6, 2024October 29, 2024 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

It is Allied Week! This week, allied healthcare professionals across the country will clock in for their shifts as they normally do, and patients won’t be the wiser. As life ebbs and flows, we generally try to stay out of the hospital, and because of this, we, the patients, tend to ignore the medical intricacies that we see. If you ask the average person what a nurse or a doctor is, they can probably provide some satisfactory answers.

But what about a phlebotomist? What about a sonographer or a physical therapist? The people who fill these roles are just as vital to our healthcare industry, and yet many fly under the radar. These individuals make up the allied healthcare community, and this week is their week to shine.

What is Allied Week?

Allied Week became a way to recognize the significant contributions of allied professionals, such as Nurses Week, which celebrates the nursing community as a whole. Allied was initially a scattered assortment of healthcare careers that were not tied together. However, in 1967, chartered institutions that represented the individual specialties came together and created the umbrella that is today allied. This group of institutions helped to pass the Allied Health Professions Personnel Training Act in 1966, which spearheaded funding for allied careers, greatly increasing the number of allied professionals in the workforce.

The first full week of November is dedicated to recognizing the immense impact allied health professionals have on our healthcare industry. Encompassing more than 80 different professions like the ones mentioned above, this week celebrates a group of people who oversee everything from health systems management to diagnostic evaluation, rehabilitation, disease treatment, and more. Like nursing, which covers a vast range of specialties, allied healthcare touches every level of our healthcare industry.

Allied’s enduring impact

Over 60% of healthcare workers are classified as allied professionals, and these individuals go above and beyond to improve patient well-being. Nurses and doctors turn to their allied team for their specialized knowledge in radiation, cardiopulmonary, laboratory, and therapeutic care when they need to make potentially life-saving determinations for a patient.

Mitigating Allied burnout

It is important that we highlight and uplift our allied community. Similarly to the nursing community, the covid pandemic saw a mass exodus of allied professionals leaving the bedside. This, in tandem with an aging population and a shrinking supply of new grads, has caused stark shortages across the country. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) predicts a shortage of over 100,000 allied professionals within the next 15 years. It is imperative that allied professionals feel supported and acknowledged so we can mitigate the effects of staff shortages.

How we celebrate Allied’s impact

In honor of the incredible contributions of allied travelers, agencies, facilities, and institutions of higher learning, celebrate Allied Week with giveaways, testimonials, acknowledgment, and lectures to promote open dialogue among allied professionals. Even though the Allied sits under a large umbrella, the Allied community as a whole is a significant driver of the healthcare industry. It is important that the community is being fostered by facilities and agencies to best take care of a group that does so much to take care of us. So be curious. Ask an allied professional about their career, why they took the plunge, and what they enjoy about being an allied professional.

As Allied Week endures, don’t forget to give those individuals in the allied community a shout-out and a pat on the back so they know they are needed and they are appreciated. Happy Allied Week!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By The Gypsy Nurse

November 3, 2024

11331 Views

A Midwesterner’s Guide to Travel Nursing in Cold Assignment Locations

Posted on November 3, 2024November 3, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

The weather in the Midwest is very unpredictable. In the past winters, Indiana has experienced polar vortexes, and temperatures have been as low as -20 degrees, and that doesn’t even take into consideration the wind chill. We have put together some tips for travel nurses while on assignment in cold locations. Here is A Midwesterner’s Guide to Travel Nursing in Cold Locations.

Staying Warm- Tips on Dressing for the Weather in Cold Locations

Double up, maybe even triple up the socks.
Get insulated, waterproof boots. No rubber boots because they will lock in the cold!
Get a Longer coat, slightly bigger so you can add layers upon layers under it. If you’re worried about lugging it around all year, try finding a “packable” one that you can roll up in the spring. I highly suggest longer coats because it covers most of your body. Need some coat suggestions? Here are what some of are travel nurse network users wear.
Invest in warm insulated gloves, not the $ 1-section cotton gloves.
Scarves are necessary for keeping snow drifts out of your face
Stock up on hand warmers and feet warmers.
Hot coffee, Hot coffee, Hot Coffee.

Driving- Preparing your car for travel in cold locations

First, heat up your car 10 minutes before you leave. This will give it enough time to defrost a bit. Otherwise, invest in a window scraper. Basically, every gas station in the Midwest sells them all year long. If you don’t have a scraper, beware of what you use to brush off a car. We do not recommend a shovel…
Also, if you’re not parking in a garage and don’t fully wipe all the snow off your car, all that snow will land in your front seat. Not fun to sit on!
NOAA recommends having the following in your Car Survival Kit;

Jumper Cables- flares and reflective triangles are great as well
Flashlight- put new batteries in before winter and also have extras in the car as well
First Aid Kit- also, have essential medications in your purse as well
Food- make sure to stock non-perishable food items such as canned food and a can opener. Dry cereal and protein bars are great options as well.
Water- NOAA suggests having a supply of 1 gallon per person for up to 3 days
Basic tool kit- Pliers, wrench, and a screwdriver
Radio- battery operated or hand crank
Cat litter or sand- for better tire traction
Snow shovel- to dig your car out if needed
Ice Scraper- even if you park in a garage, have one in your car

Clothes- make sure you are dressed for the weather. Furthermore, keep a change of clothes in your car as well.
Warmers- pack extra for body, hands and feet
Blankets and/or sleeping blankets- if you get stranded due to traffic or on a lonely road, you will be glad to have them
Charged Cell Phone- be sure to have a spare charger in your car as well
Pet Supplies- if you have your pet with you, make sure you have food and water for them as well
Baby or Special Needs Gear- If you have a baby or family member with special needs, be sure you have diapers and formula or special foods.

Pets- how to keep your pets safe during the cold

BRING OUTDOOR ANIMALS INDOORS- they are not made for these extreme temperatures.
Limit their time outdoors.
Keep them dry and hydrated. Their coats will only protect them from this cold if they are dry, so make sure they stay dry.
Layer them- Yes, even pets need clothes layered in this weather. Add a coat or two to help keep them warmer.

As travel nurses from warmer climates, you may have never experienced winter like this. There will be days that it is 50 degrees and the next 5 degrees. Keeping up to date on the forecast will help you prepare. Being prepared is the biggest key to winter in the Midwest.

We hope you found these tips for the cold helpful. Are there any other tips you think should be included? Please comment them below.

Safe travels!!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Alex McCoy

November 1, 2024

7139 Views

How to Decide If It’s Time to Quit Travel Nursing

Posted on November 1, 2024November 1, 2024 by Alex McCoy

Maybe you have been in the travel nursing game for ten years or maybe only a year. Regardless, there is bound to be a time when you ask yourself, “Am I ready to quit travel nursing?”. There could be a lot of factors that play into this. Maybe you met someone. Maybe you have kids. Maybe your family back home is going through a tough time. Or, maybe you have managed to find the spot where you just can’t picture yourself leaving. Here are a few signs it might be time to quit travel nursing and take a staff job:

How to Decide If It’s Time to Quit Travel Nursing:

You’re Tired

Let’s be honest: packing and moving and getting settled every three months is not for the faint of heart. Yes, travel nursing comes with a lot of perks, but it also comes with a lot of legwork. If you are dreading the upcoming move and are tired rather than excited by the idea of starting over again, it might be time to consider staying in one place for a while.

You Found Your Person or People

Friendly reminder that you are not a quitter if you decide you like having people you love nearby consistently. Sometimes, the people in a certain town or hospital snag a piece of your heart, and the idea of leaving them seems impossible. This may be a romantic partner or a group of really great friends. Either way, if you are ready to have these people in your life on a daily basis, a permanent job might be worth it!

You Miss Creature Comforts

While there are plenty of ways to make a temporary space feel more homey, it’s not the same as having your own bed that you picked out, a bathroom color that you love, or a super nice couch that you saved up for. There are a lot of comforts you certainly don’t need in your life, but if you want them, that’s okay, too! Maybe you’re ready to commit to a space for more than a few months so you can really make it feel like your own.

Your Family Needs You

Life happens. As healthcare workers, we all know that things can come up out of the blue, and sometimes, you need to be physically present with your family. The great thing about travel nursing is it will always be an option. If it’s time to go home for a bit, leverage your nursing license to your advantage and then head back to travel when the time is right.

You’ve Extended as Much as Possible and Still Don’t Want to Leave

Sometimes, your inner self is sending you signals you are refusing to acknowledge. If you find yourself eagerly extending over and over again and suddenly are stressed when the one-year mark creeps up, it might be time to commit. Don’t be afraid to leverage your time to your advantage, though–you can still make some extra money via sign-on bonuses or relocation stipends when transitioning from traveler to permanent staff.

You Want a Break From the Bedside

If you have been a bedside nurse your entire career and are ready for a change, it’s difficult to do that as a traveler. Sometimes, you can find a “unicorn” job that will allow you to try out a new specialty, but most of the time, you will have to head home and take a permanent job to do so. The good news is, you also get to pick where “home” is, so it still might feel like a new adventure!

Regardless of your reason for heading home, the reality is that most people don’t work as travel nurses forever. If you are ready to settle down, that’s okay! You might find a new specialty you love or enjoy the consistency of a permanent job. Then again, you might decide you only need a temporary reprieve and hit the road again when you are ready!

We hope you found this article on how to decide if it’s time to quit travel nursing helpful. Are you on the fence about whether you should quit travel nursing or not? Tell us what keeps you travel nursing in the comments below.

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By Travel Nurses Inc.

October 31, 2024

2707 Views

Untold Stories from the ER: A Sticky Situation

Posted on October 31, 2024September 20, 2024 by Travel Nurses Inc.

Travel Nurses Inc. provided this article.

There’s never a dull moment during Halloween in the emergency department. Depending on what day Halloween falls on, there could be people in costumes for days leading up to the holiday.

Walking out into the lobby to call a patient back is like walking out to a costume party. It’s entertaining when people come in a group, and they’re all dressed cohesively. For example, you may walk out to a group of female college students dressed as a six-pack of your favorite seltzers. Or perhaps Ken is here for a sprained ankle in a Barbie and Ken duo.

But today’s story from Travel Nurses, Inc. involves an angel and a very unfortunate mix-up.

Untold Stories from the Emergency Department: A Sticky Situation

Sealy Crider, RN, was working in the emergency department one Halloween night a few years back. She went to the lobby to call back her next patient when an angel stood up. But this was not your typical angel—this was a Victoria’s Secret angel decked out with giant wings, perfect nails, and everything.

Sealy noticed this patient had glitter all over, and her friend guided her back to the room. This was a little odd, but Sealy wrote it off because she had seen many things in her days as an ER nurse.

Once they were in the room, Sealy began her assessment and asked what brought this angel to the emergency department. At that moment, Sealy began to realize what was going on. This was a college student who was getting ready to go out to a Halloween party. Being in a college town, this was pretty typical for Halloween in Sealy’s ED.

The patient was drinking while getting ready for the party and made a pretty big mistake. She was wearing press-on nails and put on her nails a few hours before starting her make up. However, she did not put her supplies away.

When she went to put her eyelashes on, she accidentally used her nail glue instead of her eyelash glue.

By the time she realized her mistake, it was too late. In a haste after realizing she used the wrong glue, she tried wiping the glue off her hands on her skin. At this point, the glitter from her outfit was on her skin. It was a mess, and after a few seconds, her eyes were glued shut.

With this explanation in mind, Sealy was able to alert the providers, and they immediately got to work. After a few hours of work, they were able to soak the glue off, and the patient was able to walk out of the hospital.

Who knows if she still went to the party, but she vowed to triple-check her glues moving forward. If you have a crazy story from working in the ER on Halloween, send Travel Nurses, Inc. an email. They would love to hear your stories. You can email them at hello@travelnursesinc.com.

Do you have any crazy Halloween stories from your travel adventures? If you would like to share your crazy Halloween stories with the TGN readers comment them below.

Happy Halloween from Travel Nurses, Inc.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your housing search.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.

“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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Holiday Gift Guide for Travel Nurses:

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: Good Shoes and Compression Socks

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: A Taste of Home

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: Massage Gun or Massage Membership

Gift Idea for Travel Nurses: Local Experiences

Tis Better to Give Than Receive

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