May 29, 2024

4155 Views

A Vibra Travels Nurse’s Guide to LTAC Travel Nursing

Posted on May 29, 2024May 20, 2024 by Vibra Travels

Vibra Travels provided this article.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this guest post belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent the official stance of Vibra Travels or TGN.

Understanding LTAC Travel Nursing

LTAC travel nursing is a specialized field within the realm of travel nursing, focusing on long-term acute care hospitals. These hospitals, also known as critical care hospitals, are typically smaller in scale and cater to patients undergoing extended transitions between levels of care. While the source and destination of patient admissions and discharges vary, they commonly originate from intensive care or acute care hospitals and are discharged to skilled nursing facilities or home settings.

Similar to other travel nursing specializations, LTAC travel nurses have the opportunity to undertake assignments lasting either eight or 13 weeks with Vibra Travels.

Patient Demographics

Prospective LTAC travel nurses often inquire about the patient demographics before embarking on an assignment. Patients in LTAC hospitals present a diverse array of admitting diagnoses and acuities. Some LTAC facilities specialize further in areas such as burn units, neuroscience units, and ventilator/trach weaning (respiratory) units. Others maintain generalized units accommodating a mix of cases. Here’s a glimpse into the patient populations:

Neuroscience Units: These units cater to patients recuperating from severe brain injuries, often leading to ventilator dependency. Admissions here include cases of anoxic brain injuries, drug overdoses, CVAs, and spinal cord injuries.
Burn Units: Patients in LTAC burn units have endured extensive skin and inhalation burns, frequently necessitating ventilator or trach dependence during recovery. Travel nurses in this setting collaborate closely with wound care teams and respiratory therapists.
Generalized Units: Other patient profiles encompass those recovering from conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome, severe COVID-19 cases, septic shock, post-surgical complications, non-healing wounds, renal or heart failure, ventilator dependency, severe malnutrition, and deconditioning.

Nursing Skillset

Given the broad spectrum of health issues, LTAC travel nurses at Vibra Travels utilize a wide range of nursing skills. These encompass telemetry monitoring, administering tube feedings, trach/ventilator management, lab draws, IV insertions, wound care, and post-operative monitoring, among others.

Medications are administered via various routes, including oral, PEG tube, intravenous, inhalation, intramuscular, topical, subcutaneous, and sublingual.

LTAC travel nurses collaborate extensively with healthcare team members, including physicians, therapists, nursing aids, respiratory therapists, dieticians, wound care nurses, and management. They also engage with patients’ families and provide and receive reports during patient discharge or transfer.

A Day in the Life: 12-Hour Shift

A typical 12-hour shift in an LTAC setting may unfold as follows:

Morning Huddle: Commence the day with a team briefing to discuss staffing, assignments, code teams, and facility updates.
Handoff Report: Receive patient handover, review charts, and plan the shift.
First Med Pass and Assessments: Administer medications and conduct patient assessments.
Patient Care: Attend to patients’ needs, which may include wound care, trach care/suctioning, and assisting with activities of daily living.
Rapid Response: Address unexpected medical events with prompt interventions.
Giving Report: Provide comprehensive handover to incoming nurses at the end of the shift.

It’s worth noting that workflows may vary across hospitals and specialties.

Unique Fulfillment of LTAC Nursing

LTAC nursing offers a distinctive sense of fulfillment. Patients often spend weeks in these facilities, fostering deep connections between nurses and patients’ families. While the healing process may be gradual, witnessing patients’ progress, such as weaning off ventilators or improving mobility, brings profound satisfaction.

Securing an LTAC Assignment

Interested in pursuing an LTAC assignment with Vibra Travels? Reach out to a recruiter to initiate the process. The Vibra Travels team provides comprehensive support, from securing contracts to navigating licensure requirements.

About the Author

Meleah Kandoll has been a travel nurse for two years, with assignments in Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area through Vibra Travels. Passionate about travel, Meleah has visited nearly 20 countries between assignments. She specializes in post-surgical care and anticipates her sister, currently in nursing school, joining her in the travel nursing journey soon.

To explore more about Vibra Travels and the author’s experiences, visit www.travelnursemeleah.com.

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By Furnished Finder

May 28, 2024

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How To Earn Passive Income While On a Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on May 28, 2024May 24, 2024 by Furnished Finder

For most travel nurses, the goal is not to live to work. Instead, it’s about maximizing income, minimizing expenses, and getting more out of life without having to drastically cut back on the things you love.

Passive income is a key phrase right now for people trying to do more with less, and real estate is a great way to make some extra income without spending tons of hours each week on your side hustle.

Don’t own your real estate? That’s where Furnished Finder comes in. You don’t even need to rent an entire house or own a single-family home to profit from the space.

Reap the benefits of being a “landlord on easy mode,” as one of our landlords put it. Here are a few ways to use Furnished Finder to bring in extra cash while you are on assignment or even just off on your own adventure between assignments.

How To Earn Passive Income While On a Travel Nurse Assignment:

Rent a Room in Your Apartment or Home

Have a two-bedroom but only really need one of those bedrooms? Maybe you don’t want to deal with a true roommate when you are home from time to time. Furnished Finder can help you make that extra space profitable on your terms.

Simply provide basic furnishings and make sure the common areas are organized and stocked with basics. You are ready to rent your extra bedroom to business professionals or travel healthcare workers while you are gone. You can even adjust your availability calendar so your space is 100% yours when you plan to be home.

Rent (Most) of Your Single Family Home

If you own or rent a single-family home, you can still rent most of the space for passive income on Furnished Finder while you are gone. To meet tax rules easily, simply place your personal belongings into a designated bedroom or area of the house. Some travelers will even lock or block off this section of the home while their tenants are living in the rest of the home.

Then, you can either rent the rest of the property as one rental space or rent individual rooms. Renting rooms individually may allow you to bring in more income, but it may also be harder to find tenants willing to share a space with other roommates. Renting the house as a whole (minus your space) means dealing with less tenants, and may make it easier to rent your space out depending on how your rental is priced.

Prepare a Separate Unit on Your Property

If you aren’t ready to have a renter in your actual space, consider if you can add an addition, finish a basement, or even build a small outbuilding on your property that could be used for mid term rentals. Since most travel nurses and business professionals travel light, the space does not need to be large or lavish. It simply needs to have the basics and be clean and comfortable!

This option has some upfront costs and does require home ownership versus renting, but it can also provide a form of income for you for years to come, even if you move back to your home full-time.

Be Sure to Check Tax Laws

One thing you have to be careful of is maintaining a proper tax home if you are receiving tax-free stipends while on assignment. There are different ways to go about this. For best practice, we recommend chatting with a tax professional on how to maximize income while abiding by tax laws.

How Do I Get Started?

Getting started as a landlord on Furnished Finder is much easier than most people expect! Start by visiting the List Your Property page and checking out some of the benefits of renting on Furnished Finder and the resources they provide.

You can sign up directly on this page or reach out to a Furnished Finder team member who can help answer questions and walk you through the process.

Once you are ready, the listing fee is a straightforward $149 for the year. That’s it! There are no other fees or charges to worry about, and your potential renters will be thankful for the straightforward pricing on the other end as well.

We hope you found this article on how to earn passive income while on a travel nurse assignment helpful. Do you rent out your tax home for passive income while on assignment? Comment any tips or advice you have for your fellow travel nurses below.

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By Amber Pickler

May 26, 2024

11894 Views

4 Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses While on Assignment

Posted on May 26, 2024May 26, 2024 by Amber Pickler

Self-care is often pushed to the back burner by many people, including nurses. As travel nurses, you always care for others, but taking care of yourself is just as important, if not more important. If you don’t take care of yourself, you will not care for those who rely on you. Being on the road while on a travel nurse assignment can make it harder to care for yourself. To help you while you are on the road, We have put together a list of 4 self-care tips for travel nurses while on assignment.

Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses While on Assignment:

Rest and Sleep

Self-care for travel nurses should start with focusing on sleep. Getting plenty of rest as a nurse is sometimes difficult. And working twelve-hour shifts as a travel nurse can make having a typical sleep pattern difficult. Nurses average about 6.8 hours of sleep a night; while recommended, they get 8 hours of sleep. It may seem that 1.2 hours of sleep isn’t that much. Looking at the big picture, you lose 438 hours of sleep a year that you are losing out on. Sleep loss directly affects your health as well. We realize that getting enough sleep is easier said than done.

Here are a few tips to help you fall asleep at night. Ensure the room is dark room-darkening curtains work great to keep out unwanted light, whether during the day for night shift nurses or artificial light at night. Stay off your cell phone and/or computer. Not only does this stimulate your mind, but the blue light from them isn’t good for your eyes. Read a book. Reading helps to reduce stress, which helps you fall asleep quicker. If you have tried all of these and still find yourself having trouble falling asleep or getting good sleep, you can try over-the-counter supplements such as chamomile tea or melatonin.

Your body needs rest to keep it healthy and to function at its best. Lack of rest is also dangerous when driving to and from work. If you haven’t had enough rest, you could risk dozing off while driving.

Exercising

Exercising is a great method of self-care. There are numerous benefits you can receive from it. There are some obvious benefits, including helping control your weight, and it helps to combat health diseases and health conditions. But did you know that it can help your mood, boost your energy, and it can help you get a more restful sleep at night? You don’t have to get a gym membership to exercise. YouTube is great for workouts if that is what you are looking for. Going for a jog, run, or walk is also a great option as well, and these can be done anywhere!

Hobbies/ Me Time

Taking time out of your day for your time is important. It helps to refresh and refuel your mind and body. By taking time out of your day for yourself, you’ll lower your stress, become more productive, and have more energy. What better way than with hobbies? They don’t have to be time-consuming or expensive: reading a book, crafting, painting, dancing, or writing. If the outdoors is more your thing, you could go for walks or hikes or go outside and enjoy the weather. You can always get me time by going out and getting a massage, manicure/pedicure, or facial as well.

Eating Healthy

As a nurse, it is sometimes difficult to maintain a healthy diet. You don’t always get to take your lunch breaks and are forced to dine on vending machine options. At the same time, convenient these things won’t keep you going for long. Many of these options are packed full of sugar. Sugar affects the body and brain in many ways, including the obvious weight gain, drains your energy, contributes to depression, and many others. Something as simple as packing a few healthy snacks for your shift could make a difference.

Some examples of healthy snacks for the go could include trail mix, avocado chicken salad, protein bars, jerky, veggies and dip, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, or protein shakes. These are just a few suggestions. There are many more out there. You won’t feel the need to reach for the vending machine food if you have something easy at your disposal.

These 4 things are just a few things you can do for self-care. Taking care of yourself should be one of your main focuses to care for others. While you may be able to get away with avoiding these things for a while, it won’t last, and at some point, your body and mind are going to hit a wall. Take time for yourself so you can help those who need you most.

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Want more information on Travel Nursing?

Check out our Travel Nurse Guide

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

May 25, 2024

3607 Views

How Recruiters Elevate the Travel Nursing Experience

Posted on May 25, 2024May 22, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

Recruiters

Travel nursing is an exhilarating and fulfilling career path. It offers the unique opportunity to explore new places, meet diverse people, and gain invaluable professional experiences. The adventure of working in various healthcare settings across the country provides unparalleled personal and career rewards.

However, some logistics of the travel nurse life can be challenging to navigate, especially if you are a first-time traveler. A travel nurse recruiter can help! With their expert guidance and support, you’ll successfully tackle everything you need for your travel journey – and elevate your travel experience in the process.

How Recruiters Elevate the Travel Nursing Experience:

Optimizing Your Assignment Choices

One key benefit of working with a recruiter is their ability to match you with assignments that fit your lifestyle, including your desired locations, preferences, and career goals. By understanding your unique needs and aspirations, they can identify opportunities that might not be readily available through standard job searches, ensuring you find the best possible assignments.

Recruiters also have access to a vast network of healthcare facilities and job openings, including exclusive or high-demand positions. They’ve cultivated relationships with facilities and managed service providers, so they are one of the best resources you have for finding those to-good-to-be-true assignments.

Streamlining the Logistics

Utilizing a recruiter is vital to ensuring a smooth travel assignment. Travel recruiters are experts at handling every aspect of travel nursing, such as arranging interviews, helping you find housing, verifying credentialing and licensure requirements, and providing you assistance with your agency’s benefits. This lets you focus on delivering exceptional patient care and frees up your time to enjoy your travel adventures!

Licensure and Compliance

Each state has unique licensure requirements for healthcare professionals, and staying compliant is crucial to avoiding last-minute complications or missing out on your desired assignments. Travel recruiters can assist with licensure applications and renewals and ensure you meet all requirements. Be sure to discuss your licensure status and future travel plans with your recruiter so you can better prepare for every adventure.

Emotional and Moral Support

A good recruiter knows that life on the road is not always smooth. There are bound to be moments of frustration, just like in every career. Recruiters care about their travelers, and they want the best for you. They are always ready to lend a listening ear, offer reassurance, and celebrate your achievements, helping you stay motivated and focused on your journey. They can also help you connect with resources that can help you figure out any issues that arise throughout your journey.

Personalized Career Guidance

Whether you’re seeking to specialize in a particular field, explore new geographic regions, or balance work with personal commitments, recruiters provide insights and advice to help you make informed decisions. Their guidance ensures that each assignment or objective will contribute to your long-term career goals and personal fulfillment.

These are just a few ways your recruiter can help you get the most out of your travel experience. Think of them as your partner in travel: together, you can find the right assignments in the right places to help you thrive in your travel nurse career. They understand your unique needs and aspirations, so tap into their expert knowledge and experience to see how they can help you with your specific goals.

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By Titan Medical

May 23, 2024

2422 Views

Mental Health Month in the Medical Field

Posted on May 23, 2024May 13, 2024 by Titan Medical

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

Nurses, as frontline healthcare professionals, navigate a demanding and often stressful environment every day. Whether it’s adjusting to irregular hours, coping with patient loss, or facing the trauma of challenging cases, your job is undeniably tough on your mental health.

Recognizing Emotional Toll

The emotional toll of your work can manifest in various ways, from lingering memories of difficult cases to feelings of anger and moral injury in response to senseless trauma. These difficult emotions may sometimes hinder your ability to respond to patients with the empathy they deserve.

Understanding Trauma Responses

It’s normal to question your reactions and wonder if they’re normal, especially when faced with distressing situations. Understanding that trauma can elicit diverse responses is important and critical in understanding.

Recognizing Signs of Emotional Distress

Whether it’s trouble sleeping, nightmares, irritability, withdrawal, sudden mood swings, or even physical symptoms, it’s essential to recognize these signs as potential indicators of underlying emotional distress.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Thankfully, there are effective coping mechanisms and resources available to help you navigate the challenges you encounter. Just as you prioritize your physical well-being, it’s equally important to prioritize your mental health.

Emphasizing Mental Health Awareness

In recognition of Mental Health Month, it is important to emphasize the importance of self-care and getting help when you need it. It is vital that we come together to end the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that no one should feel judged or less than by asking for help.

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Below, you’ll find a list of resources tailored specifically for healthcare professionals. Remember, caring for others necessitates caring for yourself.

Therapy Aid Coalition: provides pro-bono therapy for frontline health care professionals, including individual and group support.

The Emotional PPE Project: connects healthcare professionals with licensed mental health professionals who can help. This service is free and does not require insurance.

The Battle Within: provides free therapy to medical personnel, first responders, and veterans. Private therapists are available to work with individuals in crisis or who are experiencing grief, anxiety, stress, or trauma.

911 At Ease International: provides access to free trauma-informed counseling for frontline responders and families, including first responders and emergency medical personnel.

The Self Care Unit Podcast: explores a variety of mental health topics for nursing professionals.

Operation Happy Nurse: offers free membership to an online community of nurses and access to tools and resources that address burnout, stress management, fitness, nutrition, and many other wellness topics.

American Nurses Foundation: Well-Being Initiative offers tools and resources to support the mental health and resilience of all nurses.

We hope that this article on mental health month and the resources provided are helpful to those who may need them. Are there any other resources for mental health that we should include in our list of mental health resources for travel healthcare workers? Please comment them below.

Please, if you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental illness, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

If you are looking for more articles on mental health, click here.

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By John Farnsworth

May 22, 2024

4486 Views

On the Road to Adventure: Is RV Living a Travel Nurse’s Key to Success in the Current Market?

Posted on May 22, 2024May 20, 2024 by John Farnsworth

Heading into summer 2024, temporary housing rental costs are skyrocketing, so travel is getting (more) expensive. Paired with continued post-COVID market adjustment, the current state of affairs in the travel industry leaves some travelers wondering if it’s time to hang it up.

Don’t give up yet! It might just be the perfect time to consider traveling differently. There are some distinct advantages to utilizing a vehicle that allows you to say, “Home is where I park it!”

5 benefits of RV Living as a Travel Nurse:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to finding temporary housing, RV living is typically cheaper.

Only one “park” fee typically includes water, power, and the spot per month

Housing costs continue to increase nationally, and rental prices for mid to long-term temporary housing have risen consequently. According to an article from the National Association of Realtors online magazine, the top ten largest metro areas in the US saw upwards of a 14.8% increase at the end of 2023. It’s no surprise that the rental market reflects it with the current average, around $2183 per month, according to Zillow. These statistics apply to more long-term housing, of course, and any experienced traveler will tell you that temporary housing required by traveling healthcare providers will typically be higher.

Directly compared to the average cost range of an RV park between $500 – $1200 monthly, it seems like a no-brainer. You do need to keep in mind there are additional costs to consider, though:

RV payment
Tow-vehicle payment, if needed
insurance
Gas
Propane

Lower your overhead

Consider buying a used RV to decrease your payment. Trailers and motorhomes are notorious for decreasing in value, quickly losing as much as 45% of their value after only 5 years, depending on the type of RV.

Pro-tip: Purchase a used RV customized by other travelers for full-time living who are exiting the RV life. These rigs often have considerable add-ons, such as full solar packages and luxury items you won’t find elsewhere, and can save you considerable cash to boot!

Keep the fuel costs down by signing up for a fuel or fleet card and earning points while decreasing costs at the pumps. Open Roads is a program we use to save on diesel fuel. It even gets you into the fast-pumping truck lanes!

Staying closer to your home destination and keeping miles down will also help, but traveling to new destinations could be more fun.

Propane is used for heating, cooking, and, on some models, even running refrigerators. These costs are mostly mitigated when staying at an RV park, as most things switch to electric power when you’re plugged in. Skip the heating costs by using the RV to chase those 70° weather locations!

Pick the right type of Rig

If you’re a single traveler opting for something more conservative in size will also keep the payment and fuel costs down. Some RVs can cost as much or more than your average home, such as this 45ft Toy-Hauler or a large Class A diesel-pusher. Going smaller will also save you on park spots as larger sites with bigger electrical hookups will be more expensive.

Keep in mind if you choose a trailer-type RV you’ll need something that can safely pull it, while if you go the route of a drivable RV you’ll still need something to get you to work and back.

2. Flexibility and Mobility

The ability to quickly and easily relocate between assignments is unparalleled within the RV community. Being able to travel with your belongings and not worry about finding housing takes significant stress off the traveler. Sure, you’ll need to find RV parks but that can be as simple as a quick Google search and performing a little research to learn what areas of the country cater more to RVers.

Spoiler Alert: The majority of RV park locations reside in the Southwestern part of the country but certainly don’t count other areas out.

3. Comfort and Convenience

Your home goes with you! You’ll have all the comfort and convenience of having your own things at your fingertips. There’s nothing quite like sleeping on your own bed, using your own shower, sitting at your own table in your own kitchen. (even if it is a little tiny)

No more worrying about if the place will be clean, the AC/heater working, hot water running, or if they can take pets.

Got problems with the RV park where you’re staying? Unplug and drive down to the next one!

4. Community and Camaraderie

Checking off your list has never been easier

Find other Travel nurses within my RV park
Getting together to hang out and spill some tea!
Make new friends and lasting connections

The travel nurse lifestyle creates an instant connection that is only further solidified when its paired with RV living! You’ll find others who have chosen this unique way to travel easy to talk to and genuinely interested in how it’s going for you. RVers love to compare rigs and talk about places where they’ve been. Make sure to ask when checking into a new RV park if there are other travel nurses there – the answer is almost always YES!

5. Adventure and Exploration

The unique advantage of picking up and rolling out means it’s easy to visit places while on contract

Make sure to keep your RV spot so you’ve got a place to easily return to.

Travel to new places between contracts
- Visit family and friends

Bring it all together by setting goals related to your travel! Even the trip to the next contract or back home can be an adventure by choosing unexplored routes and visiting places you didn’t have an excuse to see before.

Come to TravCon 2024 to learn more!

This article barely scratches the surface. If you’d like to learn more about what RV living as a traveler is like, make your way to Las Vegas for the 2024 TravCon in September! There, you’ll have the opportunity to meet my wife and me and learn about No Ordinary Path. We’re a family known for our RV adventures and expertise in the RV travel nurse community. We’ll have two speaking engagements about RV living and traveling with a family and there’ll be plenty of opportunity for questions. We’ll be hanging out, walking around, and passing out SWAG the whole week. We hope to see you there!

We hope you found this article on RV living helpful. Do you use an RV while on travel assignments? Do you have any tips or tricks for making RV living easier? Comment them below.

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 Geraldine Mills

May 19, 2024

3676 Views

How Busy Travel Nurses Can Keep Their Temporary Housing Clean

Posted on May 19, 2024May 13, 2024 by Geraldine Mills

Given the nursing shortages that rose after the pandemic, there is a rising need for travel nurses. Plenty of opportunities are available if you’re a travel nurse. That said, part of being a travel nurse is constantly moving from one accommodation to the next.

While you might be too busy with work to keep up with the maintenance, it’s not a good idea to keep your travel nurse temporary housing messy because it can affect your physical and mental health. With that in mind, here are tips on keeping your temporary housing clean, even as a busy travel nurse.

Tips on keeping your temporary housing clean as a busy travel nurse:

1. Consider Professional Cleaning Services

According to Maid Sailors, a maid service NYC, working with a professional cleaning service is an excellent way to keep travel nurse’s temporary housing clean. Instead of dealing with more chores just as you finish a brutal shift in the hospital, you can have a professional cleaning service clean your house for you and use your free time to rest.

A professional cleaner will also be able to do a more thorough job than you, so they’ll be able to finish a lot more cleaning tasks than you might be able to do within the period of their service. While it might be an additional cost, occasionally hiring a professional cleaner, especially after consecutive days of hard shifts, can lighten your load.

2. Develop a Cleaning Schedule

Just as you have a schedule for your shifts, one way to better stick to the cleanliness of your home is by scheduling your cleaning.

Having a cleaning schedule that adapts to your work rather than being forced to follow your cleaning schedule is the key to consistency. There’s no point in having a schedule if you constantly can’t stick to it in the first place.

Aside from having a realistic schedule, it would help if you were realistic about the cleaning tasks you can accomplish. It’s more achievable to create small cleaning tasks that you do here and there but in a regular way to ensure that you can finish them.

3. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas

Instead of focusing on cleaning parts of the house you barely use, you should prioritize the high-traffic areas. These are the parts of your home that you’re always in, so they’re likely to get messy quickly. Therefore, if you have the time to clean your house, focus on the parts you use most often.

For example, your bedroom and bathroom are most likely the parts of your house you use often. If you cook a lot, remember to clean your kitchen area.

This cleaning method involves performing the cleaning tasks with the most significant impact. Thus, the energy you spend cleaning the house will reap the most results.

4. Invest in Time-Saving Cleaning Tools and Supplies

Before you head to your temporary accommodations, it’s a good idea to ask them what cleaning tools and supplies are available. That way, you know what cleaning tools to add to your arsenal to keep a clean home.

If you plan on getting your cleaning supplies, look at efficient products. That means they provide the most impact for as little effort as possible.

One way to do that is by getting effective cleaning solutions that aren’t too watered down to clean the mess quickly.

Using time-saving tools like wireless vacuums and microfiber towels, which are better at doing their jobs, is also a worthwhile addition to shortening your cleaning time.

5. Embrace Quick Cleaning Hacks

Aside from time-saving cleaning tools and supplies, it would be best to embrace quick cleaning habits that keep your home clean without giving more work for you in the future.

One quick cleaning hack is to pick a task you can do for five minutes each day. That way, you’ll constantly finish a cleaning task each day, and it won’t feel like it took you the entire day to do that. Plus, in some cases, starting is more challenging than continuing, so you might find yourself cleaning other things after that five-minute cleaning task.

Another cleaning hack you can do is leave cleaning supplies in the area where you use them. That way, you can quickly grab them whenever you need a quick clean.

6. Create a Cleaning Routine That Fits Your Schedule

If your shifts aren’t inconsistent, ensure your cleaning schedule accommodates that. There will be days when you have consecutive shifts, and on other days, you’ll have more free time. In that case, adjust your cleaning schedule based on your work.

Also, sometimes, you’re too tired to clean, so you can always move your cleaning schedule. Balancing your housekeeping responsibilities, relaxation, and working together is critical to making your temporary housing cozy and clean.

7. Utilize Storage Solutions to Minimize Clutter

Cleaning goes hand in hand with organizing, so how you manage the clutter in your home affects its cleanliness.

The proper storage solution can reduce the appearance of clutter in your house. For example, getting a dedicated storage solution for your bathroom items can reduce the items you put on the bathroom counter, making it look messier.

Reducing the items you bring on each assignment can also reduce the clutter.

8. Delegate Cleaning Tasks When Possible

If you share the temporary accommodations with roommates, colleagues, or your family that you brought, then a clean home is a group responsibility. You shouldn’t feel like the only one working on maintaining your cleanliness.

It would help if you told the people living with you that everyone should pitch in with the house cleaning. Setting these clear expectations reduces resentment in the future.

9. Stay Proactive to Prevent Messes Before They Happen

One way to reduce the cleaning you need is by being proactive. It would be best if you prevented messes from happening in the first place.

Put things back where you got them from so things aren’t all over the place. Don’t leave dishes that you need to wash overnight. Also, clean the kitchen as you’re cooking.

These habits will reduce how fast your home becomes cluttered and dirty. At the same time, if it’s cleaning day, you’ll have less work to do.

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude Towards Cleaning

While cleaning isn’t exactly the first thing you want to do as a way to relax, having a negative attitude toward it will make it much harder for you to start cleaning in the first place.

If you start developing a mindset around cleaning that shows you respect yourself and your environment, it will be easier to feel like you’re doing something that matters.

Conclusion

By having more realistic cleaning expectations and setting yourself up to make cleaning more accessible, you can maintain a clean house, no matter how busy you are. If you’re about to get to your next assignment, apply these cleaning tips to maintain the cleanliness of your temporary housing as a travel nurse.

We hope you found this article with tips for keeping your temporary housing clean as a busy travel nurse helpful. How do you maintain your temporary housing as a travel nurse? Comment your tips and tricks for keeping your temporary housing clean while on assignment.

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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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

May 16, 2024

3736 Views

Top Summer Destinations for Travel Nurses: Where Adventure Meets Career

Posted on May 16, 2024May 9, 2024 by ONESTAFF MEDICAL

Onestaff Medical provided this article.

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, summer calls with promises of adventure and exploration. For travel nurses, it’s not just a season of sunshine and relaxation but also an opportunity to combine work with pleasure like no other industry can do. Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches, vibrant cityscapes, or serene mountain retreats with adventurous hikes, the summer months offer a plethora of enticing destinations for your next nursing assignment. Let’s dive into our 2024 Top Ten best summer locations for travel nurses to take assignments.

2024 top ten best locations for travel nurses to take summer assignments.

San Diego, California

Known for its idyllic weather year-round, San Diego shines even brighter in the summer…so a spot we couldn’t leave off a top ten list like this. With miles of pristine beaches, cultural attractions like Balboa Park and SeaWorld, and a thriving culinary scene, this coastal gem offers a perfect blend of work and leisure for travel nurses. From historic Gaslamp Quarter, once an infamous area now turned into a lively neighborhood with plenty to do, to whale watching cruises that run almost daily.

Not to mention being known for one of the best Major League Baseball parks in the country, Petco Park. There’s no lack of activities in this town, regardless of your interests. Browse all of the top California summer assignments here.

Denver, Colorado

Escape the heat and head to the Mile High City for a summer adventure in the great outdoors. From hiking in the Rocky Mountains to exploring vibrant neighborhoods like LoDo and RiNo, Denver boasts endless opportunities for exploration and recreation. Then of course, the pinnacle of all outdoor concert venues, Red Rocks Amphitheater. Located just west of Denver in Morrison, CO, if you are a music lover, this venue is a must. There is nothing more perfect than a calm summer night, with the Red Rocks view and your favorite band playing live.

It’s also a great place for scenic hikes or mountain biking trails at any time of day. Then, there are all of the quaint mountain cities, within proximity of Denver proper, too, that offer something for everyone: Breckinridge, Aspen, etc. Browse all of the top Colorado summer assignments here.

Seattle, Washington

Experience the Emerald City’s charm during the summer months when the skies clear up and the city comes alive. Take in panoramic views from the Space Needle, indulge in fresh seafood at Pike Place Market, and immerse yourself in Seattle’s rich cultural scene. Check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, or take a Harbor Cruise. Take an afternoon and go hike Mt. Rainier to top your trip off. Feeling daring and enjoy history? Check out the “Beneath the Streets” History Tour and explore underground pathways below Seattle. From an eclectic foodie scene to amazing live music performances any night of the week, Seattle will quickly become a favorite. Browse all of the top Washington summer assignments here.

Portland, Oregon

Embrace the Pacific Northwest’s laid-back vibe with a summer assignment in Portland. From lush greenery in Forest Park to eclectic food carts and breweries, Portland offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. Known for their vibrant food truck culture, grab some amazing food while you stroll the city. Have a green thumb? Check out the Portland Japanese Garden and soak in one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, with an unsurpassed view of nearby Mount Hood. Explore the Pearl District, full of quirky boutiques, micro-breweries and coffee shops. Browse all of our top Oregon summer assignments here.

Charleston, South Carolina

Step back in time and explore the historic charm of Charleston during the summer. Take in the historical tours all over the city in any mode you would prefer boat, walking, carriage, or bus tour options. This city is full of history and tours to learn all about that history. If you are a thrill seeker, don’t forget the ghost tours in such a historically-rush city!” Wander through cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses, savor Lowcountry cuisine, and soak up the sun on nearby beaches like Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island. Browse all of our top South Carolina summer assignments here.

Anchorage, Alaska

For travel nurses seeking a truly unforgettable experience, consider a summer assignment in Anchorage. With endless daylight hours, you’ll have ample time to explore Alaska’s stunning landscapes, from glaciers and fjords to national parks teeming with wildlife. From daytime Matanuska Glacier hikes, to wildlife tours, there is plenty of scenic outdoor activity in Anchorage during the summer. Obviously, don’t forget the Northern Lights…you can’t visit Anchorage without witnessing that phenomenon. Browse all of our top Alaska summer assignments here.

Honolulu, Hawaii

I mean, do we really need to sell you on why an assignment here would be a dream? It’s paradise, folks. Transport yourself to paradise with a nursing assignment in Honolulu. Spend your days lounging on world-renowned beaches like Waikiki, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with giant see turtles. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and hospitality, in ways you’ll never forget.

Take a sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast or a glass-bottom boat cruise through the harbor. Swim with dolphins. Attend a traditional Luau. Or just see it all with an open-door helicopter tour (for those without a fear of heights). You can’t really ever go wrong with an assignment in paradise. Browse all of our top Hawaii summer assignments here.

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a tranquil escape for travel nurses seeking a respite from the summer heat. Explore scenic hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, sample craft brews at local breweries, and discover the city’s thriving arts scene. Take one of many available ghost tours; the South loves its ghost history! Asheville even has its own app with a historic smartphone guided walking tour. Micro-brewery fan? They also have that covered with a guided brewery tour. Browse all of our top North Carolina summer assignments here.

New York City, New York

You haven’t lived until you visit and experience NYC at least once in your life. Embrace the energy and excitement of the Big Apple during the summer months. The city that never sleeps. Art, history, food…the city is famous for a variety of reasons. From Broadway shows and world-class museums to outdoor concerts, rooftop bars, and some of the top restaurants in the country, New York City offers endless opportunities for adventure. Visit their famous Little Italy or Chinatown, and immerse yourself in some true cultural experiences, not to mention appease the foodie in yourself. Browse all of our top New York State summer assignments here.

Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Soak in the rich cultural heritage of Santa Fe with a summer assignment in this charming Southwestern city. Explore historic adobe architecture, indulge in authentic New Mexican cuisine, and discover the vibrant arts scene that makes Santa Fe truly unique. From a variety of walking tours of anything you can imagine to the perfect location to fulfill the photographer in you, Santa Fe’s picturesque landscapes are something to be witnessed. Visit the Railyard Arts District for a uniquely Southwestern scene and an amazing food experience. Browse all of our top New Mexico summer assignments here.

No matter where your summer travels take you, a nursing assignment in one of these top ten destinations promises a memorable experience filled with adventure, growth, and new connections. All because you’re in the industry that pays you to travel anywhere you want, doing what you love. We think that’s pretty dang cool! So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the summer of exploration begin! Let’s see those adventure selfies, folks! Don’t forget, it didn’t happen if you don’t share them on your socials 😉

If you need any help finding the ideal summer assignment in any location, you know where to look (here)!

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

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By RNnetwork

May 15, 2024

2404 Views

5 Tips for Landing the Best Travel Nursing Jobs

Posted on May 15, 2024March 14, 2024 by RNnetwork

RNnetwork provided this article.

Whether you’re new to the travel nurse lifestyle or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you get the travel nurse jobs that are right for you — no matter where you want to go or what “best” means to you!

5 Tips for Landing the Best Travel Nursing Jobs

1. Clearly communicate your expectations and ask lots of questions

When you start working with a new recruiter, they will need to understand what’s important to you to find opportunities that meet your expectations, so be open and willing to answer their questions. Likewise, you will need to ask for a lot of information to make sure a situation is the right fit. At a minimum, be sure to ask about:

Pay and overtime options
What hours you’d be working and for how long
Which departments you’d be working with
How many patients you’d be seeing
The trauma level of the hospital
How long orientation lasts

2. Move quickly to finalize the paperwork

Once your recruiter finds a job you’re ready to accept, don’t wait to complete your paperwork. Get things like your application and any required paperwork in STAT. The quicker you move, the less likely you’ll run into problems later. This is especially true if you’ll need to apply for a new state license.

Fortunately, if your home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and you hold a multistate license, it makes it much easier to practice in other NLC states. However, if the NLC doesn’t apply for your desired job, it can take weeks or even months to get a new state license, so the sooner you can get started the better.

Plus, sending any up-to-date certifications you have without being asked for them is a good way to show your commitment.

3. Always think one assignment ahead

Once you’re settled into a job, start talking to your recruiter about your next opportunity so you can be ready to go as soon as your current assignment ends. Figuring out your plans in advance gives you breathing room and a higher chance of getting the type of work you want, where you want. It’s also a great way to schedule vacations and time off for yourself in advance — something you’ll thank yourself for at the end of a few of your well-planned contracts.

4. Stay open to a wide variety of locations, jobs, and opportunities

Flexibility is probably one of the reasons that brought you to travel nursing — or if you’re new, it may be why you’re interested. But to reap the full benefit of this kind of work, keep an open mind and be flexible when it comes to the jobs you choose to accept. You never know what experiences — at work or in your time off in a new location — will change your life for the better, so extend the limits of where you’re willing to go.

Your recruiter can help you land most anything if you’re qualified and willing, especially if you are open to shifts or pay rates that are outside your normal requirements. You never know what opportunities you’ve missed if you aren’t willing to try.

5. Build a relationship with a recruiter you trust

Travel nursing is a bit market, so working with multiple agencies is normal. But it’s also important to find a recruiter who gets you and can be your advocate. A recruiter will fight for you when you need someone in your corner and keep their eyes open for opportunities that might be a good fit. The better they know you, the more likely they’ll help you make a good match every time.

We hope you found this article on 5 tips for landing the best travel nursing jobs helpful. Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses for landing the best travel nursing jobs? Comment them below.

Rnnetwork can help you find your next adventure! Call 800.866.0407 or view our open travel nursing jobs to find an opportunity that’s right for you.

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

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