June 28, 2024

5782 Views

5 Reasons Why Using Travel Nurses is Still a Huge Win for Healthcare Facilities

Posted on June 28, 2024May 21, 2024 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

Travel nurses have seen the rise and fall of demand in hospitals and healthcare facilities post-pandemic and beyond, leading many to think about changing career paths. In this blog, we’ll discuss the reasons why hospitals and healthcare facilities still love utilizing travel nurses alongside their full-time staff and why travel nurses should stay the course. At Medely, we work with thousands of healthcare facilities across the country, so we know the compelling reasons why hospitals and healthcare facilities will continue to leverage travel nurses now and into the future.

5 reasons why healthcare facilities will continue to leverage travel nurses now and into the future:

1. Addressing nursing shortages

There is a persistent nursing shortage in the U.S., exacerbated by an aging population and a wave of retirements among the current nursing workforce. Travel nurses provide a flexible solution to fill these gaps quickly, ensuring that patient care is not compromised because facilities are understaffed.

Today, nursing leaders and facility managers have seen many nurses and healthcare professionals leave the industry because they’re exhausted and burnt out.

In fact, there is a projected nursing shortage in the U.S. of between 200K and 450K registered nurses (RNs) by 2025, according to McKinsey & Company.

Meanwhile, as the Baby Boomer generation ages and needs more care, patient demand increases as nursing staffing numbers drop. This leads to many facilities relying on overtime, which is expensive and exhausting for their permanent staff, causing burnout and churn.

Here’s where travel nursing assignments end up being a huge win for healthcare facilities. Travel nurses stay at a facility for multiple weeks at a time, so facilities can use that time to give their staff a break. With travel nursing assignments, healthcare leaders no longer need to rely solely on offering overtime and burning out their full-time staff, which means travel nurses are contributing to improving team morale and a positive work environment at healthcare facilities. Plus, leaders can use that time that they have a traveler on staff to look for permanent staff while they are covered so they can manage their workforce in a sustainable way.

2. Enhanced patient care and satisfaction

The biggest win for healthcare facilities? When their patients are taken care of and they can provide the best possible outcomes. Travel nursing helps them do that.

Adequate staffing levels are directly correlated with better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction rates. Travel nurses help maintain appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios, ensuring that patients receive timely and attentive care. This can lead to improved patient experiences, better patient health, and higher satisfaction scores for the facilities themselves.

3. Flexibility and scalability

Healthcare needs can fluctuate due to various factors, including seasonal illnesses, surges in inpatient cases, and much more. Travel nurses offer a scalable staffing solution, allowing hospitals to adjust their workforce based on real-time needs without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.

Leaders know that when they add headcount to their permanent staff, these team members support their staff, but that also adds costs and subtracts revenue as they also have to provide those staff members with benefits and total rewards packages.

However, when leaders add travelers to their teams for a long-term assignment that’s not a part of the permanent staff headcount, then they aren’t spending money on benefits packages or training. Instead, these traveling professionals are getting paid through a staffing solution like Medely that’s helping them find the right facilities and keeps them coming back to places they love.

4. Cost-effective staffing solution

While travel nurses may command higher hourly rates, they can be a cost-effective solution. Despite what many think after the surge in rates during the pandemic, travel assignment rates are starting to stabilize and still provide a lucrative career for travel nurses.

The cost is affordable enough to offer health professionals the incentive they need to travel or relocate, but it is also affordable enough for facilities to get the coverage they need without hiring a permanent staff member or burning out their current team with overtime.

This is especially true when you book through Medely instead of relying on expensive, slow agencies that tend to lack transparency in their rates.

5. Specialized skills and diversity of experience

Travel nurses often have a wealth of experience and specialized skills in high-demand areas such as critical care, emergency rooms, operating rooms, labor and delivery, and telemetry. By bringing in travel nurses, hospitals and healthcare facilities can ensure they have the right expertise to handle complex cases and improve patient outcomes.

Travel nurses also bring diverse perspectives and varied experiences from working in different healthcare settings across the country. This diversity can foster a culture of learning and innovation within the hospital, encouraging permanent staff to adopt new practices and approaches to patient care.

Conclusion

Travel nurses should be informed that using travel nursing assignments remains a huge win and strategic advantage for hospitals and healthcare facilities. Travel nursing assignments offer a versatile, cost-effective solution to address nursing staffing shortages, respond to surges in cases, and enhance patient care. By continuing to integrate travel nurses into their workforce, healthcare facilities will be able to maintain high standards of care, support their permanent staff, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of healthcare demands.

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By RNnetwork

June 26, 2024

7266 Views

Freedom on the Road: Travel Nursing from an RV

Posted on June 26, 2024March 20, 2024 by RNnetwork

RNnetwork provided this article.

While many travel nurses might be just fine staying in an Airbnb or a rented room, some adventurous souls prefer an RV or van as their home away from home. While the “van life” might not be right for everyone, travel nursing from an RV works for a wide variety of travelers, including couples, solo travelers, and even families with children. For all of them, at least for a while, living and traveling in an RV works better than paying for short-term housing. Below is travel nursing from an RV information and tips from fellow travelers.

Travel nursing from an RV:

Travel nursing adventure life in an Astro van

Travel ICU nurse Bob Goldnetz loved the van life because it gave him more freedom to explore the country. When he was on assignment, he’d explore the area and find places to enjoy the outdoors.

A car didn’t work because he needed something that would carry his two bikes, climbing gear, a surfboard, and more—and give him a place to sleep and do some camp-style cooking. That’s how he ended up getting into the van life. He upgraded to the four-wheel-drive Astro van after blowing out the struts on his first van on bumpy backroads. He built the van with basics, like a place to sleep, storage, and essential cooking gear.

For him, it provided the “on-the-go” life he wanted.

“I’d much rather pull over to the side of the road where no one is, make an egg burrito, and wake up to the sound of the waves than the hotel,” Bob says.

And between assignments, with the van, he could adventure all along the way to the next assignment and hang out somewhere because the surf is good, the weather perfect, or because he met buddies to go biking or rock climbing with.

RV life with family

Julie Stoddard, a travel dialysis nurse, brings her husband and their two children along on her assignments – all while living in an RV. For her family, this offers lots of flexibility and opportunities for adventures.

How does it work for them with school-age kids?

“We homeschool,” Julie says. I maintain the state standard in our lessons. I find the state tests online, and the kids usually test out early, and then we move on to the next grade.”

Stoddard says that they bring a second car while on the road. “That way, they can adventure during the day while I’m working.”

One of the biggest benefits was living in the RV while they remodeled their house. “The house just had electricity and walls. I was lucky enough to be on a travel assignment at that time. We parked the camper right by the house we renovated so my husband could work on that while I was working.”

Another reason that they are embracing the RV life?

“Monetarily, it was actually cheaper for us to get the camper, pay for it outright, and pay monthly at sites versus doing Airbnb. And then you’re not going into a stranger’s home. You don’t have to worry about messing anything up; the kids don’t have to worry about spilling anything.”

Bucket list adventures on the road

Mike Brown, an OR travel nurse, lives in a fifth wheel with his wife and their Irish Setter. His family has come along on nearly every assignment except for one of the two assignments he took in Alaska.

“Most of the places we go, we plan and find locations near where we’ve always wanted to go. One assignment we picked was in Wyoming, an hour away from Yellowstone. We had never been to Yellowstone, which was on our bucket list, so we chose that assignment. We use it as a way to go places we want to see,” he says.

A travel nursing pair in their fifth wheel

William and April Cantwell are home health nurses. They met while William was on assignment where April worked. Now, they’re both travel nurses, traveling with their young child in a fifth wheel.

They go on all assignments together as “a package deal,” and they put their son, Bradley, in daycare if they work on the same days.

It has allowed them to travel while doing what they love — travel nursing.

They’ve seen the Grand Canyon and taken a trip to Disney World over one summer. They also took a weekend trip to New Orleans during their Columbia assignment, something they’ve always wanted to do.

For April, the travel experience is especially exciting. “When you grow up in a small town in Arkansas, it’s pretty neat to see different parts of the world.”

Going places

Living in a van or RV as a travel nurse is another option for the usual housing travel nurses stay in, and it’s another way to pocket more money. It offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and adventure, letting you enjoy quality time with your family or friends while exploring the U.S. on your travel nurse adventures.

We hope you found this article on travel nursing from an RV helpful. If you utilize an RV for housing and have travel nursing from an RV tips please share them below.

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

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By Furnished Finder

June 22, 2024

5001 Views

How to Make Your Travel Nurse Stipend Stretch Further

Posted on June 22, 2024June 17, 2024 by Furnished Finder

With the rising prices of groceries and other things, it is important to find a way to make our cash go further. Here are seven ideas to help you maximize your travel nurse stipend and make your money stretch further.

What is your stipend?

In the world of travel nursing, your stipend is the money you receive to cover the cost of housing while you are on a travel assignment. This money is usually tax-free if the travel nurse is duplicating living expenses, meaning you are paying for housing in your tax state and your travel location. This money is separate from your hourly pay but is included in your paycheck. So, how can you maximize your travel nurse stipend and make this money stretch further? Here are seven tips to make your money last.

7 Ways To Maximize Your Travel Nurse Stipend:

Find Affordable Housing

One of the best ways to save money is to get the best housing price during your assignment. The purpose of a travel nurse’s stipend is to pay for housing. If you can find a temporary place to stay for less than your monthly stipend, then you can use the rest of the money for other living expenses. For example, if your stipend is $1500 a month and you find a house for $1200 a month, the extra $300 is there for you to spend on food, car services, or anything else you need to use it for.

Furnished Finder is a great resource for travel nurses to find the best deals on housing since they never charge booking fees. By booking with Furnished Finder as opposed to AirBnB or VRBO, you instantly save 10-15% by avoiding the booking fees they charge on those platforms. With their easy-to-use search function, you can set your destination, move-in date, and monthly budget. Furnished Finder also understands the unique needs of travel nurses, such as short-term leases and working within your stipend budget.

Not only do you save money on housing by using Furnished Finder, but you also save money in other areas due to the great benefits of the housing offered through their site. Every property and landlord is unique, but many offer amenities like a full kitchen, which helps you save money by cooking your own meals vs. eating out. Some properties also offer access to community gyms or free parking, helping you save money on those much-needed amenities as well. These are just a couple of examples of ways that Furnished Finder helps you stretch your stipend.

Go to the Furnished Finder website to start searching for housing and to save money on your next travel assignment.

Meal Prep

Over the last 12 months, the cost of food has increased. Menu prices from restaurants have gone up 4.1%, while grocery prices have only gone up 1.1%. Both have increased, but it is still cheaper to buy food from the grocery store than eat out at restaurants. When working three 12-hour shifts in a row, the thought of fixing food when you get home can be daunting, but if you meal prep on your days off and prepare both work meals and home meals, you can save tons of money.

Coffee at Home

Coffee is a staple in many nurses’ diets, but if you hit Starbucks on your way to work every day, your wallet is going to suffer. Right now, the average cost of a cup of coffee is $6 to $7. That is an average of $2190 to $2555 a year if you buy one coffee house coffee every day for a year. Instead, switch to drinking coffee at home.

This does not mean your coffee drink has to be boring. Buy your favorite brand, look up some fancy coffee recipes online, and become your own barista. Take an extra cup with you to work. If you visit coffee shops to get out of the house on your day off, take your coffee to a local park and sit outside instead. You don’t have to give up your coffee break; just change up the experience.

Keep Your Car in Tip Top Shape

A travel nurse’s car is an important tool for work. The price tags on cars have gone up 4.2%. Many nurses drive across the country going from assignment to assignment, so it is important to keep it in tip-top shape. The best way to do this is to get it serviced when it needs it. Change your oil on time, look at the wear and tear on your tires, and fix small issues before they become big issues. Every car is different, but many car companies recommend getting your oil changed every 6,000 miles and a full car service every 12,000 miles.

Manage Subscriptions

From Netflix to Disney Plus, there are countless online subscriptions these days, and if you aren’t careful, you could be spending hundreds of dollars a month. To prevent yourself from wasting your money on things you don’t use, it is a good idea to monitor your subscriptions often. Do this by keeping a running list of subscriptions you have signed up for or looking at your credit card bill each month and see where your money is going.

If there is a subscription you use often, look and see if it would be cheaper to pay for a full year instead of just month to month. It is easy to sign up for a new service and forget about it, so create a habit of continually checking what you are spending your money on.

Enjoy Nature

An easy way to maximize your travel nurse stipend is to explore nature. To save money on your days off, look for activities that are free, like nature. Exploring your new city doesn’t mean you have to spend money at local museums or shopping areas. Instead, look for outdoor spaces that won’t break the bank. Going for a walk in a local park or hanging out in an area with trees is also a great way to de-stress and unwind after working long hours.

This doesn’t mean you can never go to a museum or pay for a local event but don’t just mindlessly go to things you won’t enjoy. Save your money and only spend it on places or events that you will truly appreciate.

Visit Local Libraries

Finding local bookshops can be a dream for nurses who are book lovers, but this can be an expensive hobby. Instead of seeking out the local bookstores, look for local libraries. Not only are libraries a great place for books, but many of them offer free events and book clubs, which is a great way to meet new people in your area. Libraries usually have audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs to check out for free. Instead of spending money on a monthly audiobook app, check out a free audiobook. Just be sure you can mail back your selection once you leave town. Many libraries offer free online audiobooks, which is another option.

We hope you found these 7 tips to maximize your travel nurse stipend helpful. Have you found ways to maximize your travel nurse stipend? Share some tips with fellow travel nurses below.

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By Medical Solutions

June 21, 2024

6069 Views

The Top 10 Summer Destinations for Travel Nurses

Posted on June 21, 2024June 13, 2024 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Summer is here! Whether between assignments or just about to take your first travel nurse gig, you may be looking to explore a new locale. There’s no better place to look than travel nurse destinations that offer lucrative contracts within your specialty at prestigious healthcare facilities. Here’s our compilation of the top 10 travel nurse destinations for you to consider.

Travel Nurse Destinations for Summer:

Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis provides a diverse range of summer activities, from the Indiana State Fair with local food, live music, and plenty of entertainment to a plethora of outdoor activities you can find at the White River State Park or Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you can visit Holiday World Amusement Park just a few hours outside Indianapolis in Santa Claus, IN!

Seattle, WA

There are many experiences to be had in and around Seattle. You could spend a day at Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market to sample fresh seafood, visit the original Starbucks, and peruse the market’s historic stalls. Or you can go west and visit the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean for some beach life.

Des Moines, IA

Did you know that the Des Moines Farmers Market is one of the largest farmers markets in the United States? Boasting over 300 vendors, you can find not only fresh produce but also handmade crafts and delicious food. Outside of Des Moines, you can also check out attractions like the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville or the Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone, IA.

Boise, ID

Theater fans can enjoy live performances under the stars at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, while foodies can experience the Boise Farmers Market. For outdoor lovers, there’s also Hells Canyon, where you can take an exhilarating jet boat tour through the deepest river gorge in North America or travel to Coeur d’Alene to spend a day fishing or relaxing at the lake.

Virginia Beach, VA

Visit the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk to hear live music, play on amusement park rides, and experience gorgeous waterfront views and plenty of dining. Are you a history buff? Check out The Historic Triangle, where you can time-travel to the 18^th century and find cobblestone streets, interactive exhibits, historical reenactments, and more.

Los Angeles, CA

L.A. is a popular destination for tourists looking to spot movie stars or visit Disneyland, but it has so much more to offer than just that! Visit the Santa Monica Pier, for instance, to get some beachside fun with an aquarium and amusement park. Or drive a couple of hours out to Big Bear Lake to escape the summer heat with fishing and hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains!

Austin, TX

Texas is vast, offering diverse experiences across the state, which means there’s something for every kind of travel nurse. Austin has been booming in recent years, and there is no shortage of things to do in the summertime, like paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt, or enjoying live music at Austin City Limits Live. Austin is also home to unique festivals like the Austin Ice Cream Festival and Bat Fest.

Portland, OR

Have you ever heard the term “Keep Portland Weird”? It started as a grassroots campaign to preserve the area’s unique character and cultural identity. It’s a testament to Portland’s individuality, creativity, and support of local businesses, as highlighted by summer events like the Pedalpalooza, a month-long celebration of cycling, or the Portland Rose Festival, which includes parades, dragon boat races, and a city fair.

Boston, MA

Boston is rich in history and offers many fun summertime attractions for travel nurses and their loved ones. Take a ferry to explore the islands and historic sites. Enjoy world-class music performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Or, escape to Martha’s Vineyard to see the picturesque island with biking trails and charming towns.

Augusta, ME

In Augusta, you can visit exhibits on Maine’s natural and cultural history, including Native American artifacts, historical machinery, and natural science displays. Foodies can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, farm-to-table dishes at cozy eateries, and local craft beers and ciders at nearby breweries.

These ten travel nurse destinations are just a handful of the great locations where you can find promising travel nurse contracts, and seeing the nation is just one of the many great benefits of travel nursing. Wherever you choose to look for summer travel nurse jobs, we hope you have a wonderful time!

We hope this article on the top ten travel nurse destinations for summer was helpful. Do you have favorite travel nurse destinations that didn’t make the list? Comment them below.

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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.

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By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 17, 2024

3635 Views

The Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences of Travel Nursing

Posted on June 17, 2024June 13, 2024 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA-Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.

Travel nursing is so much more than a rewarding career – it’s your gateway to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The unique opportunities you can find through travel nursing are unlike any you can find through another nurse career, providing you with professional growth, personal enrichment, and thrilling adventures you’ll cherish forever. Read on to discover how travel nursing can transform your career and life in extraordinary ways.

Benefits of Travel Nursing: Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences:

Discovering New Places

This might seem like a no-brainer, but travel nursing allows you to explore new destinations. Whether you explore your assignment destination or all the places you find along the way, travel nursing assignments take you to exciting new locations, allowing you to immerse yourself in different cultures and lifestyles. From the vibrant streets of New York City to the tranquil beaches of Hawaii, every assignment is a new adventure. This constant change keeps your work life dynamic and your personal life filled with memorable experiences.

Living and working in various parts of the country (or even the world!) provides a unique perspective that few other careers can offer. You’ll have the chance to explore iconic landmarks, try regional cuisines, and meet new people from diverse backgrounds, all while doing the work you love.

Plus, you might find your favorite new vacation spot or even future forever home in surprising places you might not have considered traveling to otherwise!

Diverse Work Environments

One of the most remarkable aspects of travel nursing is the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings. Each setting you take an assignment in offers distinct challenges and learning opportunities, enriching your nursing practice and broadening your professional horizons.

Whether working in a bustling urban hospital, a serene rural clinic, or a specialized medical center, travel nurses gain invaluable experience in different environments. This diversity enhances their clinical skills and makes them more adaptable and resilient professionals. The variety of work settings and locations keeps your travel nurse career exciting and helps prevent burnout, ensuring you remain passionate about your profession.

Flexibility

One of the greatest benefits of travel nursing is its flexibility, allowing you to tailor your assignments to your personal preferences. This flexibility also means you can take breaks between assignments to recharge, pursue personal interests, or spend time with family and friends.

Be sure to clearly communicate what you are looking for with your recruiter to ensure your assignments meet your needs and suit your lifestyle. A seasoned recruiter knows how to find the right assignment that checks all your boxes!

Professional Growth

Exposure to different healthcare systems and practices is a significant advantage of travel nursing. Each new assignment presents unique challenges and learning opportunities, helping you expand your clinical knowledge and expertise. Working with diverse teams and patient populations enhances your communication and teamwork skills, making you a more versatile and valuable nurse.

Given their diverse work environments, travel nurses also learn to handle various medical conditions and technologies. This continuous learning and adaptation contribute to your professional growth, making you a more competitive candidate for future roles and advancements in your career.

Adventure and New Experiences

Above all, travel nursing is an adventure. Each assignment brings new experiences and challenges, keeping your career exciting and fulfilling. From hiking in the Rocky Mountains to exploring the historic streets of Boston, travel nursing allows you to blend work with exploration and discovery.

The sense of adventure that comes with travel is unmatched. You’re not just traveling for leisure; you’re making a difference in different communities while satisfying your wanderlust. Every new place you work in becomes part of your personal and professional story, creating memories and experiences that last a lifetime.

Travel Nurse Bonuses

One more fantastic perk to being a travel nurse is being rewarded with bonuses along the way. From referral bonuses to loyalty bonuses, there are many ways to increase your income as a travel nurse. One fantastic bonus currently happening is TNAA’s 25^th Anniversary bonus! When you book your next travel assignment by 7/1/24, you start your journey to earning up to a $10,000 bonus, plus you’ll be entered to win up to $100,000 in cash prizes! And when you pair it with TNAA’s Referral Bonus+ Program, you can earn even more!

Embark On Your Travel Nursing Journey

Travel nursing is a unique career path that combines professional growth with personal enrichment, financial benefits, and the thrill of exploration. If you’re looking for a way to see the world while making a meaningful impact as a nurse, travel nursing offers the perfect blend of opportunity and adventure. Embrace the journey and unlock the benefits of travel nursing and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

We hope you found this article on the benefits of travel nursing helpful. What are some other benefits of travel nursing that you think should make the list? 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.

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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 trustaff

June 16, 2024

5578 Views

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding, Recognizing, and Supporting

Posted on June 16, 2024June 13, 2024 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men and promoting the importance of mental well-being. Despite the growing conversation around mental health, there remains a significant stigma, particularly among men, who often feel pressured to conform to societal expectations of strength and resilience.

The Importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness

Men’s mental health is a critical issue that requires attention. Studies have shown that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma and cultural expectations. This reluctance can lead to severe consequences, including untreated depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Raising awareness helps to break down these barriers and encourages men to prioritize their mental health.

Key Statistics on Men’s Mental Health

Suicide Rates: Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

Depression: Approximately 6 million men in the United States suffer from depression each year, yet many do not seek treatment.

Substance Abuse: Men are more likely to use and die from substance abuse, often as a coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues.

Help-Seeking Behavior: Only 36% of psychological therapy patients are men, indicating a significant gap in mental health care utilization.

Recommendations for Supporting Men’s Mental Health

Encourage Open Conversations: Creating a safe space for men to talk about their feelings without judgment is crucial. Open conversations can help reduce stigma and promote understanding.

Promote Mental Health Education: Providing information about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues can empower men to recognize when they need help and seek it promptly.

Support Networks: Encourage men to build and maintain strong support networks. Friends, family, and community groups can offer valuable emotional support.

Professional Help: Advocate for seeking professional help when needed. Therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals can provide the necessary support and treatment.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Promoting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can significantly improve mental health.

Resources for Mental Health Support

Trustaff understands the importance of mental health support. Our ACT (Advocacy, Career, and Tools) program offers a range of resources designed to support the mental well-being of healthcare professionals, including access to mental health tools and resources that can make a significant difference.

This June, let’s take the opportunity to prioritize men’s mental health, support those who are struggling, and work towards a society where everyone feels comfortable seeking the help they need.

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.

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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.

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By Fusion Medical Staffing

June 15, 2024

4582 Views

Surviving Your Nursing Night Shift: Tips and Tricks

Posted on June 15, 2024June 10, 2024 by Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

Whether you’re a seasoned night owl or newly acquainted with the nocturnal rhythm of night shift nursing, working the night shift can take a lot out of you. From not falling asleep on shift to staying active, these are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure you’re at the top of your game when late-night shifts call.

Night Shift Nurses: Tips and Tricks for Surviving Your Nursing Night Shift

Establish a restful sleep pattern

Setting a good sleep routine is crucial for night shift nurses, who often must work when the majority of the population is asleep. Since the night shift can really goof with your body’s natural clock, getting quality sleep during the day can be tough. But with a consistent sleep schedule, you can stay alert and boost your job performance.

Start with simple habits like sticking with a regular sleep schedule and time, making your room dark with blackout curtains or a sleep mask to help you fall asleep, and don’t consume caffeine before bed. With these hacks, you can skip the chronic sleep deprivation and focus on providing the best possible care to your patients during every night shift you work.

Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated

Working the night shift can be demanding, both for your mental health and physical health, which is where eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated come into play.

When you’re up all night, it’s easy to reach for a quick, unhealthy snack to keep you going, but those can lead to energy crashes and additional health issues. Instead, try to reach for a variety of nutrient-rich foods to maintain steady energy levels and support your immune system.

Plus, staying hydrated is key to staying alert and focused during those long night shift hours. And if drinking water isn’t your strong suit, try carrying a reusable water bottle throughout your night shift, or try adding some lemon or cucumber slices for a little more flavor pizzaz.

Stay active

It can be tempting to sit down and rest during your night shift work, but don’t let yourself get sucked into the trap. While it may not feel great in the moment, staying active during your night shift can make a huge difference in getting through the night.

Not only does staying active keep your energy levels up, but it also improves your overall mood and reduces the risk of those common aches and pains that come from too much inactivity. The good news is that you don’t need to run a mile around your floor or hike the stairs in your facility to incorporate movement into your night shift. Instead, try light exercises like a casual walk or gentle stretches. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Practice self-care

Outside of healthy sleep habits staying active, how do you practice self-care while night shift nursing? Here are some ideas to help maintain your well-being and live a healthy lifestyle during your night shifts.

If your patient load allows for it, try taking short but frequent breaks to help clear your mind and reduce stress. If you’re able, incorporate some mindfulness techniques or deep-breathing exercises during moments of downtime.

Another thing you can try while working night shifts is create a supportive network among other night shift nurses and colleagues where you can share experiences and offer mutual encouragement. You’d be surprised how far a little camaraderie can go.

Reward yourself

Celebrating the small victories throughout nursing night shifts is vital for day shift nurses but may be that much more important for night shift nurses to maintain morale and motivation. The challenges of working through the night, often while combating fatigue and the circadian rhythm’s natural inclination for sleep, make it essential to recognize and appreciate each accomplishment, no matter how minor.

Creating a reward system for yourself can provide a structured way to acknowledge these wins, whether it’s a brief break for a hot cup of coffee or a collective moment of praise with fellow night shift nurses over a job well done. These rewards not only offer immediate gratification but also contribute to a positive work environment.

As a night shift nurse, you may face challenges that require a strong focus on self-care and personal well-being, and some ways you can do that are through deep sleep, eating well and staying hydrated, activity, self-care, and personal rewards. By prioritizing these aspects, you can better manage the demands of your profession and still enjoy every second of it.

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.

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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 AB Staffing Solutions

June 14, 2024

6736 Views

The Pros and Cons of Extending Your Travel Nurse Contract

Posted on June 14, 2024June 10, 2024 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Are you enjoying your travel assignment? Are you flexible regarding the night vs. day shift? Do you want to explore the area more? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider asking your Recruiter about extending your travel contract. While we cannot guarantee an extension, we will ask what is possible. Not all travel nurse contracts can be extended as it depends on factors that include:

Needs at the medical facility
Demand for your specialty
Demand for healthcare services in the area

Contract extensions can be unpredictable at times, but your recruiter should always be looking for ways to keep you happy and employed. Make sure to ask about 7/8 weeks into your contract if an extension is possible if you want one. Keep in mind that extended travel nurse contracts have pros and cons.

Pros of Extending Your Travel Nurse Contract

Let’s talk about the pros of staying in one place for more than 13 weeks, the average length of a travel contract.

Stability and Continuity. Extending a travel nurse contract provides job security and a familiar work environment. The systems, processes, and people are familiar. If you stay, take advantage of the benefits of building relationships with colleagues, patients, and communities. The longer you’re in a position, the better for your professional development and skill enhancement. It’s also stability for you and your family to be on the same routines for an extended time rather than having to transition to a new place and routine every few months.
Enhanced Relationships. Because you’re staying longer, you’re able to continue to build strong work relationships with colleagues, patients, and communities. You’re able to grow a professional network that can lead to other opportunities while learning from others. You’re better able to build relationships with patients, explaining treatment in terms they and their loved ones understand. With all this, you’re building trust so that when you need help, you can ask and offer help to other colleagues and patients.
Opportunity for Growth. Choosing to extend a travel nurse contract can lead to professional development and skill enhancement. You’re learning how to effectively support different communities in ways they understand. Not every population is the same in terms of how they are cared for, so this is an opportunity to continue learning not only about patient care, but also procedures, both of which help you grow professionally.
Financial Gains. If you choose to stay, you will be able to save more and go on more adventures when you’re not working. Extend your summer contract through the fall and then take time off for the holidays, resuming work in the new year.

There is comfort in settling into one place. We get it. Your days have a rhythm, and you realize you love the place and its people. And if it works that you can continue to care for patients and serve the community, we’d love to help you make that happen.

Let’s face it, there is something to be said for what stability can do.

You know how much money you earn, how much to save, and what you can spend when you’re not working.

What if you love change? What if routines bore you? Extending the contract might not be a good choice for you.

Cons of Extended Travel Nurse Contract

Our travelers tell us that while they may extend a contract, they also find downsides to staying in one place.

Career Stagnation. Perhaps a position or living situation isn’t what you thought it would be. If you were expecting to learn more or care for a particular patient population that’s not meeting expectations, it can feel like your career stagnates. You’d rather move on to another experience than stay where you are, and that’s okay. Talk to your Recruiter about your expectations and what is happening at the current facility so they can better match you in the future.
Burnout Risk. If you feel like you’ve met career expectations for a position and/or you do not like where you’re living, then it may be time to move. Maybe you’ve checked off all the items on your bucket list, and your days feel routine. Extended contracts may limit the ability to explore new locations and opportunities, especially if you’re not feeling inspired by your work. If you’re experiencing the same workload day in and day out, then changing contracts can provide opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge.
Financial Considerations. Evaluate the aspects of extending contracts. Ask questions like if there is a salary increase, bonus, or other benefits associated with extending. The answers can influence your decision to extend a travel nurse contract or look for a new one.
Family Events. Depending on how far you are from loved ones, you might want to move closer. If there are family events like siblings getting married and starting their families or as parents and grandparents age, you may want your children to be close to their cousins, so remaining in a different place may not be as attractive as it once was.

The decision to extend a travel nurse contract is up to you. As with making the decision to be a travel nurse, this takes thinking and asking your recruiter questions to evaluate what is best for you. We’d never want you to feel like you’re stuck or need to cancel a contract because you can’t fulfill the obligation.

Whatever you choose, the AB Staffing team is here to support you.

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

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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.

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By Lark Medical Staffing

June 13, 2024

3770 Views

Celebrating Nurse Assistant Week: Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Assignment and Money Management

Posted on June 13, 2024August 1, 2024 by Lark Medical Staffing

Lark Medical Staffing provided this article.

Hey there, amazing Nurse Assistants!

It’s that special time of the year when we shine the spotlight on you—our incredible Nurse Assistants. At Lark Medical Staffing, we’re thrilled to celebrate Nurse Assistant Week and all the hard work, dedication, and compassion you bring to your assignments. As a token of our appreciation, we want to share some valuable tips and tricks to help you make the most of your travel assignments and manage your money like a pro.

Tips for Travel Nurse Assistants:

Maximize Your Assignment Experience

1. **Get Organized Early**: The sooner you get settled in, the smoother your transition will be. Unpack your bags, familiarize yourself with your new workplace, and make a checklist of local essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and recreational spots.

2. **Stay Connected**: Keep in touch with your recruiter and peers. They’re your lifeline for support, advice, and any issues that may arise. Plus, connecting with fellow travel nurse assistants can provide a sense of community and camaraderie.

3. **Embrace Learning Opportunities**: Each assignment is a chance to grow professionally. Take advantage of training sessions, ask questions, and learn from your colleagues. The skills and experiences you gain will be invaluable for your career.

4. **Explore Your Surroundings**: Don’t forget to enjoy your new location! Explore local attractions, try new restaurants, and immerse yourself in the community. Balancing work with leisure can make your assignment more enjoyable and fulfilling.

5. **Use Your Own Transportation**: Driving your own vehicle can be a game-changer. It provides you with the freedom to explore at your own pace and can be more cost-effective than renting a car or relying on public transportation. Choose assignments within driving distance when possible to maximize this benefit.

Smart Money Management Tips

1. **Create a Budget**: Start by listing your income and expenses. Categorize your spending to see where your money goes. This helps you identify areas where you can save and ensures you’re living within your means.

2. **Save on Housing**: Consider housing options that fit your budget. If your agency provides a stipend, compare it to your actual housing costs to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Sharing accommodations with another travel nurse assistant can also reduce expenses.

3. **Track Your Expenses**: Use apps or spreadsheets to keep track of your daily spending. This habit helps you stay on top of your finances and avoid unnecessary expenses.

4. **Plan for the Future**: Set aside a portion of your income for savings and emergencies. Having a financial cushion gives you peace of mind and prepares you for unexpected costs.

5. **Leverage Agency Benefits**: Take full advantage of the benefits offered by your staffing agency, such as travel reimbursements, health insurance, and retirement plans. These perks can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Making Every Assignment Count

Your role as a Nurse Assistant is crucial, and your efforts make a significant difference in patients’ lives. By staying organized, embracing learning, and managing your finances wisely, you can make the most of each travel assignment and enjoy a rewarding career.

We at Lark Medical Staffing are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the compassionate care you provide every day. Happy Nurse Assistant Week!

Stay amazing,

The Lark Medical Staffing Team

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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5 reasons why healthcare facilities will continue to leverage travel nurses now and into the future:

1. Addressing nursing shortages

2. Enhanced patient care and satisfaction

3. Flexibility and scalability

4. Cost-effective staffing solution

5. Specialized skills and diversity of experience

Conclusion

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

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