March 21, 2024

8272 Views

Everything You Need to Know When Considering a Government Contract

Posted on March 21, 2024March 19, 2024 by Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

Government contracts are special contracts that travel nurses should consider when trying to find an assignment that will fit their needs. Most government contracts are with the Indian Health Service, VA Hospitals, or Federal Prison Clinics, and they come with unique benefits, adventurous destinations, and a variety of facility environments.

Read on to learn about government contracts and see if they appeal to you.

What you need to know when considering government contracts:

Unique Benefits

Government contract nurses receive various benefits that most nurse contracts do not. For starters, as a government contract nurse, you receive compensation for every government holiday even if you do not work that day. This is a nice little bonus on top of your regularly scheduled hours for the week.

One really big benefit of government contracts is that you can hold any state license to qualify for the position. You do not need to get any special licensing for each location, so you can go from state to state on government contracts while under your original state’s license. This will save you both time and paperwork.

Government contracts also offer paid time off and sick leave, which makes your work-life balance easier to manage. This allows you to keep your income flow steady while maintaining the time off you need to recharge and reset. These contracts also offer two full weeks of paid vacation once you work there for a year. Plan a two-week dream vacation and celebrate your year of work!

Your contract will provide you with day-one health benefits, but if you do not need healthcare through your job, you can cash this in for a healthcare stipend. No matter what you need, you decide how to utilize these benefit options.

Adventurous Destinations

Looking to head West? Government contracts are ample in the Southwest, Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains. The West offers some of the best skiing mountains, open land to explore, and hikes that lead to incredible views.

If your government contract is with the Indian Health Service, you will be placed near a Native American reservation, which is near National Monuments like Mount Rushmore, The Grand Canyon, Glacier Mountain Park, and more.

These contracts are a great chance to cross off some of your bucket list visits while you work out West!

Patient Care

Nursing has its stressors, which is no surprise. There are shifts when you are overwhelmed with patients and can’t seem to keep up. With government contracts, though, the patient ratio is manageable, allowing you to dedicate your time to all of your patients’ needs.

Your work on a government contract would make an impactful difference to a rural community that faces development barriers and oftentimes, generational addiction. Your work will help the community strive for healthier lifestyles, provide tools for those facing addiction, and advance the overall health of the community.

Contract Stability

Government contracts are typically longer than a travel nurse assignment and offer a 26-week contract to begin that you can extend for up to three years. The long-term opportunities allow you to develop a relationship with the community and patients and gain more time to explore the surrounding towns and monuments.

If you are looking to travel to a new city but enjoy feeling settled at home, this is a great way to experience a town for a couple of years rather than a few short months.

Is a Government Contract for You?

Mission-minded nurses and adventure-seekers will thrive on a government contract. With miles and miles of nature to explore and the opportunity to help a small community, you will feel fulfilled while on assignment.

These contracts are not just for nurses either. There are a myriad of opportunities for dental assistants, pharm techs, med lab techs, and more in government contracts, so reach out to Gifted Healthcare and connect with a recruiter to learn more about how you can land a government contract!

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By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

March 19, 2024

3496 Views

How To Be a Good Pet Owner as a Travel Nurse

Posted on March 19, 2024February 26, 2024 by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

Favorite Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

Some travel nurses might think that bringing pets on an assignment isn’t a good idea. However, this can actually be a beneficial experience for you and your pet. By bringing your pet with you on travel assignments, you’ll always have a buddy with you. This can be comforting when you’re in a new location or when you just need someone to keep you company. Your pet will also love traveling with you because they’ll get to spend quality time with you while you’re on your adventure.

This blog will give you helpful tips on how to be a good pet owner while on travel assignments, and it will also show you that bringing your animal with you isn’t as hard as you might think.

How To Be a Good Pet Owner as a Travel Nurse

Visit your vet before leaving for a travel assignment

First and foremost, you will want to make sure that your pet visits the vet and gets cleared to travel. Some animals may not be fit to travel for long periods of time, so it’s important to get the go-ahead from your vet. You’ll also need to get a copy of all your pets’ medical records in case your animal needs to see an emergency veterinarian on the road.

Ensuring your pet has all their vaccinations up to date is another key step before taking them on an excursion, especially if your pet spends time outdoors. Many property owners or temporary housing units will need to see proof that your pet is caught up on their vaccinations, so it’s beneficial to come prepared to avoid any complications.

Lastly, you’ll want to ensure you have all your pets’ required medications before going on any sort of trip. Anxiety medications may also be a topic you’ll want to ask your vet about if you know you have a pet with anxious tendencies. These medications may be useful when taking your pet on a long car ride or even on a plane.

Have all the necessities ready to go.

Pets often require many daily essentials. Creating a list will make remembering all the essentials much easier for you when it’s time to pack. Make sure to bring necessary items such as your pet’s food, food and water bowls, treats, toys, medications if needed, leash, collar, grooming tools, pet carrier, bed, and, of course, any other items that may be specific to your animal. For instance, you’ll want to remember to bring litter and a litter box if you have a feline friend.

Try to follow a similar routine as you would at home.

The best way to get your pet acclimated to a new location is by following your normal routine. If you feed your pet at 6 am and 6 pm when at home, then try to do the same on your travel assignment. Similarly, you’ll want to play with them and take them on walks just as you normally would. Some pets thrive off routines, so it’s important to stick to them so your pet feels more at home and comfortable in their new environment. It might even be beneficial to arrive at your travel assignment a few days early so that you can get your pet acclimated to their new home before you start working long shifts.

If your pet is active and loves to go on walks, you may also want to consider looking into a pet walking service or pet sitter. Prices for walking services vary from location to location but are often not over-priced. Considering a daycare service is also a smart option if your pet requires a lot of exercise and attention when you’re away working a shift.

Be prepared in case anything happens to your pet.

Before you decide to bring your pet on a travel nurse assignment with you, it’s a good idea to research the nearest emergency vet to where you will be staying. Another proactive approach to keeping your pet safe is to download the BringFido app and the Pet First Aid app.

Excellent for dog owners, the BringFido app provides you with various locations that are pet-friendly. From restaurants to hotels, the BringFido app will make traveling with a pet easier than you’d think. This app is also unique because it provides many valuable resources, including nearby veterinary clinics, pet grooming services, pet stores, and much more.

Created by the American Red Cross, the Pet First Aid app is a great resource for pet owners to have when traveling with pets. The app conveniently provides lifesaving information and advice from veterinary professionals at any time. Pet First Aid also has valuable resources when it comes to the safety and health of your pet.

If you’re curious about other apps that are perfect for travel nurses when on assignments, read our Must Have Apps for Travel Nurses blog.

Let your pet explore with you!

Looking to go on scenic hikes or walks along the beach when on travel nurse assignments? Bring your pet with you! This will no doubt be your pet’s favorite part of traveling with you. If your pet doesn’t typically go on walks, consider bringing them in a stroller or in some sort of carrier so they can still enjoy exploring with you on your adventure. This might take you and your pet a minute to get used to, but if you’re both comfortable, then it’s worth trying to bring them along!

Traveling on assignments with pets can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for both you and your pet. If you think your pet isn’t adjusting well at first, don’t worry. Some pets don’t love change, and it may take them a little longer to get comfortable in their new space. Just remember to keep this in mind and know that things will get better once they’ve had time to properly acclimate. We hope this article on how to be a good pet owner as a travel nurse helps you if you plan on bringing your pet on a travel nurse assignment in the future!

Being a pet owner and a travel nurse comes with its challenges, but it doesn’t have to. If you need more information or advice, The Gypsy Nurse Facebook group is a great place to reach out to fellow travel nurse pet owners.

Are you a travel nurse who is also a pet owner? Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses who are also pet owners? Comment your tips for your fellow pet owners below.

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By CareerStaff Unlimited

March 18, 2024

7034 Views

Winter to Spring: How to Extend Your Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on March 18, 2024March 13, 2024 by CareerStaff Unlimited

CareerStaff Unlimited provided this article.

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the end of many travel assignments. For nurses working a seasonal travel job, it’s time to consider what’s next.

If you’re having a great experience and are happy with where you’re working, why not extend your assignment? However, it’s not always clear how to do so, even for seasoned travelers. There are also some important questions to consider before deciding if you should extend.

Let’s uncover what you should know about travel nurse contract extensions this spring and why it’s essential to prepare for them as early as possible.

When Should You Ask about Extending a Travel Nurse Assignment?

A travel nurse contract extension is just what it sounds like an agreement between you and your employer to keep the relationship going. It could be one more month, 13 weeks, or another time frame. You’ll negotiate those details with the help of your recruiter.

However, one of the most common questions travel nurses ask is how to get the ball rolling in the first place! Some employers mention the option of a contract extension as early as orientation, especially in high-need settings like the ICU or OR. But they’re more likely to bring it up four or five weeks before the assignment ends.

If they don’t, though, it’s perfectly okay for nurses to ask about an extension. Active travelers usually do so about halfway through an assignment. However, waiting until a month before the contract ends could be too late for a competitive job—it may disappear by the time you ask, and it gives you less time to find a new one.

Before You Decide to Extend: What to Consider

But is extending right for you? Maybe you’re in your dream destination, have made some friends, and want to stick around. Or maybe you want to avoid having to find a new job, go through onboarding again, or learn another EHR. Before you make your final decision, consider some important questions to consider:

Housing and logistics. If you extend, can you stay in your current housing? If not, what else is available? And don’t forget to consider any obligations back home, like family events or pet care needs.

The need for downtime. Many nurses travel because it gives them the chance to take a few weeks off between jobs. If you’re feeling burned out now, how will you feel in a few more weeks? Do you need some extra time for self-care, and can your recruiter negotiate that for you?

Taxes and residency. Staying in another location for another 13 weeks means you’ll be there for about half a year. Will that change your permanent tax home or affect where you pay taxes—or how much you owe?

How to Prepare for Travel Nurse Contract Extensions

Whatever you decide, every travel nurse should be ready to respond when asked if they want to extend. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re prepared:

Think about extending right away. From day one, you should start thinking about whether you might want to keep doing this job after your contract ends. When it’s time to decide, you’ll have a solid list of pros and cons to make sure you’re making the right choice and not just acting on impulse.

Talk to your recruiter. If you were placed by a recruiter, that’s the first person to talk to. Even if you’re not sure what you want to do, they’ll help you understand your options. And the sooner they know what you decide, the better positioned they’ll be to negotiate your next contract or find you a new one.

Make a good impression. It’s important to impress your employers from day one. Showing “soft skills” like leadership, teamwork, and supporting your supervisor can often increase the likelihood of travel nurse contract extensions. It also puts your recruiter in a better position when they’re negotiating the details.

Consider bringing a friend! Some nursing agencies offer a referral bonus. So, if you love your assignment and they’re still hiring, share the deets with other nurses you know! Traveling is more fun with a friend, and the companionship is great for self-care. (Plus, having a roommate could help you save money on housing, too.)

Either way, whether you take a breather or extend your adventure, your recruiter is your #1 resource and key to taking your career to new heights. And if you’re looking to land a spring travel nursing assignment — or work with an amazing recruiter — a trusted travel agency like CareerStaff can help you find the very best of both.

We hope you found this article on travel nurse contract extensions helpful. Have you ever taken any travel nurse contract extensions? How was the process, and do you have any other tips to share with fellow travel nurses on travel nurse contract extensions? Comment them below.

Happy travels!

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By Fastaff Travel Nursing

March 17, 2024

5020 Views

Navigating Stress: Tips for Rapid Response Nurses

Posted on March 17, 2024April 29, 2024 by Fastaff Travel Nursing

Fastaff provided this article.

As a rapid response nurse, you are often at the forefront of healthcare emergencies, facing high-pressure situations and critical decisions daily. While your role is vital in providing immediate care and support, it’s essential to prioritize your own well-being and manage stress effectively.

Here are some tips to help you navigate stress and maintain your resilience in the fast-paced world of rapid response nursing:

Navigating Stress: Tips for the Rapid Response Nurse:

1. Practice Mindfulness:

Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to help you stay grounded and present in the moment. Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing, meditation, or visualization exercises. These practices can help reduce stress, enhance your focus, and promote a sense of calm amidst chaos.

2. Prioritize Self-Care:

Make self-care a nonnegotiable part of your routine, both on and off duty. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, nourishing your body with healthy food, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Remember that taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

3. Develop Coping Strategies:

Identify healthy coping mechanisms that work for you and use them to manage stress effectively. Whether it’s talking to a trusted colleague, journaling your thoughts and feelings, or engaging in physical activity, find strategies that help you process emotions and alleviate tension during challenging times.

4. Set Boundaries:

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities or overtime shifts when needed and prioritize activities outside of work that nourish your soul and recharge your batteries.

5. Seek Support:

Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your colleagues, friends, or mental health professionals when you need it. Building a strong support network can provide you with valuable resources, encouragement, and empathy during stressful times.

6. Focus on What You Can Control:

In high-pressure situations, focus on the aspects of the situation that you can control and act accordingly. Accept that there will always be factors beyond your control, and channel your energy into making a positive impact where you can.

7. Reflect and Learn:

Take time to reflect on your experiences as a rapid response nurse and identify lessons learned from challenging situations. Use these reflections as opportunities for growth and professional development, and seek out opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Remember that stress is a natural part of your job as a rapid response nurse, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Fastaff Travel Nursing, part of the Ingenovis Health family of brands, not only provides rapid response positions but also offers services through the ACT program to assist with stress-related pressures from assignments and provide support. By aligning with programs such as the ACT program along with, implementing these strategies and prioritizing your well-being, you can navigate stress more effectively and continue to provide exceptional care to those in need. Stay strong, resilient, and compassionate, rapid response nurses. Your dedication and commitment make a world of difference.

We hope you found these tips for the rapid response nurse helpful. Are you a rapid response nurse who has some tips to share with fellow rapid response nurses? Comment below.

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By Advantage Medical Professionals

March 16, 2024

2956 Views

Destination Spotlight: Tennessee

Posted on March 16, 2024March 13, 2024 by Advantage Medical Professionals

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

Tennessee, the heart of the South, is a captivating destination for travel nurses seeking a memorable assignment filled with rich cultural experiences, natural beauty, and a dynamic healthcare environment. With its legendary music scene, stunning national parks, and an array of attractions, the Volunteer State offers a one-of-a-kind journey for those in the nursing profession. In this blog post, we invite travel nurses to explore why Tennessee should be at the top of their list for their next adventure.

Discover the allure of Nashville, the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, and a multitude of unique experiences that will make your assignment in Tennessee an unforgettable chapter in your travel nursing career.

Destination Spotlight: Tennessee

Housing & Cost of Living

During this period of inflation on all living expenses that seems to have no end in sight, it’s more important than ever to land a travel nursing assignment where the local cost of living won’t break the bank. With Tennessee being ranked #10 out of all 50 states for housing affordability and ranked #14 in Affordability overall*, it definitely fits the bill – literally!

Nashville

Explore Music City, known for its live music venues, historic sites like the Ryman Auditorium, and the vibrant atmosphere of Lower Broadway.

>> Want to learn more about travel nursing in Tennessee? We’ve got you!

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Located in Nashville, this museum showcases the history of country music with an extensive collection of memorabilia and exhibits.

Lookout Mountain

Visit Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall, and Rock City, a rock garden with unique rock formations, both located on Lookout Mountain.

Dollywood

Located in Pigeon Forge, this theme park and entertainment complex offers rides, live shows, and Dolly Parton-related attractions.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore the most visited national park in the U.S., which offers stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.

Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Similar to the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, this trail takes you to distilleries across the state, including famous names like Jack Daniel’s and smaller craft distilleries.

Gatlinburg

A charming mountain town located near the Great Smoky Mountains, offering shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

Fiery Gizzard Trail

Backpacker magazine ranked this impressive trail in southern Tennessee as one of the best in the US. It features creeks, waterfalls, and rock gardens. At the end of the trail, there is an overlook and camping area for extended trips.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Located in Memphis, this museum celebrates the legacy of Stax Records and the soul music of artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.

Sun Studio

In Memphis, visit the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” where legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded their early hits.

>> Take the next step in your nursing career TODAY!

Sources:

Housing affordability & cost of living rankings: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordability

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By AB Staffing Solutions

March 15, 2024

3792 Views

Decoding Radiology: Understanding the Roles of CT, X-Ray, and MRI Techs

Posted on March 15, 2024March 6, 2024 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Are you a Radiology Tech looking for more? Do you want to expand your professional network? Could you gain experience in a new facility? Are you thinking about exploring a new place? As CT, X-ray, and MRI technicians, there are opportunities to travel and work in areas where you may have always wanted to live while earning and learning at the same time. While our recruiters cannot guarantee placement, we do our best to match you to contracts that suit your skills and desires.

As a Travel Imaging Technician, you can work nationwide, wherever your experience is needed. To be eligible, you must have 1-2 years of experience in the required field and state and federal licensing requirements, which your recruiter will share before signing a contract. The benefits include seeing parts of the country you may have yet to have the opportunity to visit, expanding your network, and gaining experience, perhaps on a faster track than working in one place.

CT, X-ray, and MRI Techs are needed for more than identifying broken bones. Your skills help doctors accurately identify injuries, conditions, and diseases in the initial stages. You’re at the forefront of diagnosis and treatment, making a difference in patients’ lives.

Decoding Radiology: Understanding the Roles of CT, X-Ray, and MRI Techs:

X-Ray Technologists (X-Ray Techs)

As an X-ray Technologist or X-ray tech, you will use specialized equipment to obtain detailed images of the body so the doctor can determine the next steps. You may work in an urgent care, doctor’s office, emergency room, or trauma unit. The education needed is an associate or bachelor’s degree and certification through The American Radiologic Technologists. You will then need to get a state license; check if your state requires one. As a traveler, you will work with your agency to determine which states require licenses.

CT Technologist (CT Techs)

As a CT Technologist or CT Tech, you assist patients and operate computed tomography (CT) scanners to take images of patients’ internal organs so doctors can diagnose. You may also be asked to perform ultrasounds, X-rays, or mammograms. Typically, CT Techs earn an associate’s degree in radiography, diagnostic medical sonography, or nuclear medicine. Then, you must become certified through The American Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), obtain a state license, and begin working.

You may work in a hospital, doctor’s office, urgent care, community medical clinic, or corrections facility.

As of 2022, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ median pay for radiologic and MRI technologists is $67,180 per year. This depends on the level of education and certification and the location and type of facility where you work.

MRI Technologists (MRI Techs)

As an MRI Technologist (MRI Tech), you will assist patients and be responsible for running MRI machines and producing images for doctors to diagnose patients. These are the most advanced diagnostic imaging machines. While you can become an MRI Tech with an associate’s Degree in some programs, you may need a bachelor’s degree. You will also be required to complete clinical work and certification. Programs last as few as six months or as long as two years.

As a CT, X-ray, or MRI Tech, the median annual salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $80,090 as of 2022. As with the other jobs described in this article, the earning potential depends on where you work, the location, and experience.

Working as a travel imaging tech fosters professional growth by exposing you to a wide range of patients, equipment, and procedures. Each assignment welcomes new opportunities to learn from different teams and expand your experience. Being a travel imaging professional can help develop a sense of self-reliance and independence to take with you on your future career path.

You may find greater earning power as a travel imaging technician working in areas where your skills and expertise are in high demand. For more, check out our article Why Taking a Travel Contract as a CT/X-Ray Tech Can Be the Ultimate Career Move.

We hope this article on decoding radiology has been helpful for you. Are you a radiology tech who has recently started traveling or a radiology tech who has traveled for years? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences as travel radiology techs. Comment them below.

To learn more about becoming a traveler, check out the AB Staffing Job Board and contact us today!

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By Emma Joyce

March 12, 2024

4534 Views

When to Start Preparing for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment

Posted on March 12, 2024March 5, 2024 by Emma Joyce

Starting a travel nursing assignment is an exciting adventure that offers the chance to experience different cultures and locations in addition to professional development. It’s a chance for nurses to grow as professionals, experience new things, and improve healthcare systems all around the world. Nevertheless, careful planning and preparation for your next travel nursing assignments are necessary to maximize this experience.

Every facet of preparation is essential to guaranteeing a seamless transfer and a rewarding experience, from understanding licensing requirements to making travel and housing arrangements and handling funds. With the aim of empowering nurses to take on their next travel nursing assignment with confidence and readiness, we’ll explore the important dates and actions to take into account in this extensive guide.

When to Start Preparing for Your Next Travel Nursing Assignment:

Getting Certifications and Licenses

Obtaining certificates and licenses for a travel nursing assignment can be a complex and time-consuming process. In addition to making sure all of their licenses and certifications are current, nurses should also consider the particular requirements of each jurisdiction in which they intend to operate. This could entail submitting applications for further state certifications or licenses, each of which has requirements and processing dates. For example, to practice effortlessly across state lines, nurses in the United States may need to apply for a multistate license or traverse the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Furthermore, it’s imperative to stay up to date on any modifications or adjustments to licensing laws in order to prevent delays and other issues that can affect how your next travel nursing assignment gets started.

Researching Your Potential Next Travel Nursing Assignments

An essential part of the preparation process is researching possible assignments, which enables nurses to choose placements that fit their interests, lifestyle preferences, and professional objectives. Nurses should do extensive studies about the standing of healthcare institutions, the patient population they serve, and the general work environment, in addition to merely noting opportunities that are accessible. This could entail utilizing the resources offered by travel nursing firms, speaking with other travel nurses, and researching online forums and communities. Nurses can make well-informed decisions about which assignments to pursue and guarantee a more meaningful and rewarding experience by obtaining personal experiences and insights from others.

Arranging Housing for your next travel nursing assignment

In addition to being a practical requirement, finding appropriate lodging is essential to guarantee the comfort and well-being of nurses while they are on assignment. The location, length, and particular requirements of the assignment may affect the housing options and availability. That is why looking into luxury apartments in Baltimore is a good option for you because you want to be close to work and also other amenities.

Among the lodging alternatives available to nurses are short-term rentals, long-term hotels, and residences offered by travel nursing firms. When choosing a place to live, it’s important to take the neighborhood’s safety, accessibility to the workplace, amenities, and affordability into account. Nurses should also take the initiative to learn about local rental markets, comprehend leases, and look into housing stipends or allowances offered by their organizations or companies.

Organizing Finances

In order to guarantee stability and peace of mind for the duration of their placement, nurses preparing for a travel nursing assignment must engage in effective financial planning. It is important for nurses to consider a range of charges, such as emergency savings, living expenses, travel expenses, housing prices, and license fees. Nurses can better manage their finances and prevent needless stress or overspending by creating a precise budget and keeping track of their spending. Additionally, nurses may optimize their financial condition and maximize their earnings by being aware of the reimbursement rules provided by travel nursing companies as well as the tax benefits given to healthcare professionals working on temporary assignments.

Packing and Logistics

It takes considerable thought and preparation to pack for a travel nursing assignment so that nurses have all they need to carry out their responsibilities and be healthy while away from home. When packing clothing and accessories, nurses should take into account the destination’s environment, cultural norms, and special requirements in addition to necessities like medical equipment, uniforms, and personal things. It’s critical to pack light and give priority to the things that will be most helpful for the task.

In addition, nurses should become acquainted with the mechanics of getting to and from work, as well as any immunizations or health tests that may be required for the assignment site. By taking proactive steps to prepare and organize their belongings, nurses can alleviate stress and focus on making the most of their travel nursing experience.

Taking on a travel nursing assignment is a thrilling chance to advance both personally and professionally. A seamless transition into their new roles can be ensured by nurses by carefully planning and following deadlines. Every stage is essential to the assignment’s success, from obtaining a license to making travel and housing arrangements to managing funds. Travel nurses can make the most of their travels and contribute significantly to healthcare communities all around the world by being proactive and knowledgeable.

We hope you found this article on when to start preparing for your next travel nursing assignment helpful. Do you have any tips for preparing for your next travel nursing assignment? Comment them below.

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By Travel Nurses Inc.

March 10, 2024

5071 Views

Travel Nurse Tips for Avoiding Online Scams

Posted on March 10, 2024February 28, 2024 by Travel Nurses Inc.

Travel Nurses Inc. provided this article.

There are so many ways travelers can find assignments and housing. New platforms are becoming available, and with that comes new ways to be scammed online. But how do you know what’s real and what’s an online scam? This blog post will uncover where you could encounter online scammers, how to spot them, and how to steer clear of their traps.

Tips for avoiding online scams:

Facebook

Facebook has always been a place for recruiters and travelers to share information in groups. There are Facebook groups for housing, jobs, and general information about traveling. However, a lot of groups have issues with spam and scammers now. To avoid getting scammed in Facebook groups, here are a few helpful tips for avoiding online scams:

Look for groups that require you to answer questions to be admitted. This is not a fool-proof way to avoid hackers. But if the group is not public, then it will weed out some people who should not be in the group.
If you see a job posted by a recruiter, go to the recruiter’s Facebook page. They should have the name of their agency on their Facebook page. If you do not see any agency information, this could be a red flag.
If you don’t recognize the name of the agency a recruiter is with, do a quick Google search for it. Check out the reviews and look for the job postings on their website. If you don’t see any reviews or jobs, this could be another red flag.
If something looks too good to be true, it likely is. For the most part, agencies should have relatively similar rates for positions. They might be within $100-$200 of each other, but if you see a quote for a position that is $500+ more than other agencies, it could be a trap. Scammers know what recruiters include in posts, and they know what travelers are looking for.
Look for contact information on the recruiter’s post. At Travel Nurses, Inc., our recruiters list their name, our agency, their phone number, and their email address when they post in groups.
Do not send information over Facebook. If a recruiter sends you a direct message and asks you to start sending them information about yourself, ask them for their agency’s information and verify that they work for a credible agency. You can ask for their agency’s website, email address, and phone number, and ask them to call you with more information about a job.
On housing groups, ask for a phone number to call the host. You can also ask them to send you more information about the property they are renting via email or ask to see the listing on a platform like Furnished Finder, Landing, or Air BnB.

Phone calls

If you sign up for platforms like Vivian, BetterNurse, or RNVIP, be prepared to get calls from recruiters. These platforms offer subscriptions to agencies as lead generation sources. So you might find that you start getting an influx of calls from agencies you have never heard of before.

Unfortunately, online scammers can get their hands on this information, too. To avoid getting scammed, you can try doing the following:

Download a call fielding app like Robokiller or Truecaller. Sometimes, your phone carrier will also offer fielding service. This will help cut back on the number of spam calls you get in general.
If a recruiter calls you, do not give them personal information over the phone. Credible agencies will have a more formal way for you to submit documents that contain your personal information.
You can always let calls go to voicemail and call the recruiter back. Recruiters from credible agencies will leave you a voicemail and might also text and email you to follow up. A scammer might not leave a voicemail or a callback number.

Emails

One of the most common ways people are scammed is through email. This is because it’s easy for scammers to find a recruiter’s contact information from their LinkedIn, Facebook page, or their agency’s website to use to mask their own identity. There are a few ways you can avoid getting scammed via email:

Open emails on your laptop instead of your phone. When you are on the go, it’s easy to check emails from the palm of your hand on your phone, but it is harder to verify links from your phone.
If you see a link in an email, verify that the link matches its description. You can do this by hovering your mouse over the link to see the link address. If you see it’s supposed to be a link for benefits information, but the link address doesn’t have benefits or the agency in the link, then it’s likely a scam. Oftentimes, clicking links makes you vulnerable to online scams because the link is giving hackers access to a lot of your personal information.
Since scammers can easily find recruiters’ contact information, it would be easy for them to create an email address that looks like it’s coming from a recruiter. The easiest way to spot the difference is the email domain (the part after the @). If you notice that the email domain is Gmail, yahoo, or AOL, then this is not a recruiter.
Look for spelling and grammatical errors. If there are random words that aren’t capitalized, extra spaces, or words missing in sentences, then this is likely a scam.
If someone asks you for gift cards as a form of payment over the phone or in an email, it’s a scam.

It’s important to be alert and to have a healthy level of skepticism when you are traveling. The biggest piece of advice is to find a reputable agency, like Travel Nurses, Inc., and stick with it. Travel Nurses, Inc. has been around for more than 35 years, they are JCAHO certified, they were the first agency to partner with the DAISY award, and they were listed as a top-rated healthcare agency on Great Recruiters. These are the types of things to look for when searching for a reputable agency.

We hope this article on ways to avoid online scams has been helpful. Have you ever been a victim of online scams? Want to share your story or advice for avoiding online scams? Comment your advice or tips below.

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By Uniti Med

March 8, 2024

3987 Views

Travelers Share 6 Ways They Spend Free Time on Assignment

Posted on March 8, 2024March 8, 2024 by Uniti Med

Uniti Med provided this article.

For travelers, the journey isn’t just about the job—it’s an opportunity to explore, unwind, and create memories. Uniti Med asked travelers how they spend their free time while on the road. Here’s what they said…

Ways to spend free time on assignments:

Embrace Exploration:

“I always liked to go to places I haven’t been before so that I can do some sightseeing, get to know the people of the area,” shared Estia, travel LPN. From hiking through national parks to seeking out paranormal hotspots (so fun!), travelers find solace in discovering the hidden gems of their temporary homes.

Culinary Escapades:

Just as food punctuates life’s moments, it also flavors the travel experience. From browsing farmer’s markets and uncovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants to indulging in the flavors of local cuisine, there’s a shared excitement for food among the travelers, we discovered.

Cultural Immersion and Socializing:

To fully immerse yourself in your new surroundings, travelers shared they enjoy attending events and exploring historical sites, museums, and libraries. In addition, mingling with locals and coworkers enriches the travel experience.

“I try to make friends in every city,” said Annette, travel LPN

Similarly, Jennifer, RN, a traveler with Uniti Med, found that joining a local church during her year-long assignment in Hawaii significantly contributed to her happiness and well-being.

Relaxation and Self-Care:

Downtime is precious, with many travelers prioritizing relaxation and self-care in their free time. Top responses include catching up on sleep, indulging in spa days, reading, hiking, and movie nights.

Sports and Recreation:

Staying active is key to supporting physical and mental well-being while on the road. Many travelers enjoy activities like hiking and yoga, while others opt for team sports like racquetball and softball. Also mentioned were exploring casinos and doing laundry.

“My husband and I like to explore the surrounding towns, hiking, fishing, and discovering good food and brewery spots.” – Alex, Radiologic Technologist.

Continual Learning and Growth:

Lastly, each travel assignment presents an opportunity for personal growth and discovery.

“The ability to learn, adapt, and grow is one of the most significant benefits of a career in travel nursing,” said Jennifer, RN.

In conclusion, healthcare travel encompasses more than just the job—it’s about embracing adventure, forging connections, and exploring the world around you. So, whether hiking through national parks, sampling local cuisine, or simply relaxing by the beach, seize every opportunity to make the most of your downtime and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Safe travels!

We hope you enjoyed this article on how travelers spend their free time on assignments. How do you spend your free time while you are on assignment? Tell us in the comments below.

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