is a belief in supernatural causality: that one event leads to the cause of another without any physical process linking the two events, a false conception of causality, such as astrology, omens, witchcraft, etc., that contradicts natural science. Wikipedia
If I ever get sick and must be admitted to the CCU, do not put me in room 4!
This Friday, the 13th, let’s look at the top 13 Nursing Superstitions:
1. Full Moon
A full moon always brings out all the crazies.
2. The Rule of Three.
This especially pertains to death and really busy nights. Three nights in a row of high census usually give us a little reprieve–or leads us to three more nights of a high census.
4. The “Q” word
Never say how well a shift/day has been before you clock out…or it won’t be good anymore.
5. Open a window
Open a window when a patient dies so the soul can escape.
6. Tie a knot in the bed sheet
Tying a knot in the bottom right sheet for a dying patient to last through the night.
I know a nurse who always wears the same earrings as a talisman against a bad night.
9. L/D Instrumentation
Some L/D nurses won’t open instrumentation until the last minute before a delivery because they are afraid they will end up with a c-section.
10. Frequent Flyers
Never discuss a frequent flyer who hasn’t been in lately. He/she will show up.
11. Never turn the lights out
When there is a code in the hospital, we open a room (turn the lights on, balance our bed scale, turn the monitor to standby), and if the patient doesn’t make it into our ICU, we NEVER turn the lights out.
12. Atropine in Cardiac ICU
In the cardiac ICU, I surreptitiously waved Atropine around the room before pulling femoral lines. If I had a patient in third-degree block or something similar, I carried a cartridge in my pocket. (It wards off evil spirits, obviously.)
13. “Certain Rooms are Unlucky.”
I used to tell my colleagues, “If I ever get sick and have to be admitted to the CCU, do not put me in room 4.” Room 4 was very unlucky. It seemed as though most patients in room 4 were very ill and didn’t survive. Why is that? Room placement is random on any given day; nurse assignment is random. It only seems logical to think it’s a “cursed” room.
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“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!”
It’s no secret that life on the road as a travel nurse can be incredibly rewarding — and exhausting. Between jumping into new assignments, working long shifts, and navigating life away from your usual routines, it’s easy to let your own needs slide to the bottom of the list. But here’s the thing: travel nurse self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Taking care of yourself helps you stay balanced, energized, and ready to show up fully for every assignment. That’s why we created this travel nurse self-care checklist with simple, doable ways to put yourself back on your own priority list.
As a nurse, you pour so much of yourself into caring for others, but self-care is just as important. The long hours, physical demands, and emotional weight of the job can take a toll if your own needs are repeatedly pushed aside.
By prioritizing self-care, you protect your health, prevent burnout, and keep hold of the energy and compassion that drew you to nursing in the first place. The TL;DR is that when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of your patients.
Top factors that can affect mental health
Travel nursing opens the door to amazing opportunities to grow, explore, and make an impact, but it also comes with challenges that can weigh on your mental health. Adjusting to new facilities, teams, and communities is exciting and can be stressful at times. Constant relocation means tackling housing logistics and finding your rhythm in new places, all while being away from loved ones. It’s not unusual to feel lonely or a little overwhelmed, and when you add in the emotional weight of caring for patients, stress and anxiety can creep in.
The good news? Recognizing these challenges is the first step in handling them. With the right support systems and self-care strategies, you can stay grounded, resilient, and ready to thrive no matter where your journey takes you.
Self-care checklist for nurses
Nursing is all about giving — your time, energy, compassion. But to keep showing up fully for your patients, you’ve got to make space for yourself, too. Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay grounded, energized, and supported.
Physical health
Taking care of your body is the foundation for everything else. When you’re rested, nourished, and moving regularly, you’ll feel stronger and prepared for whatever your shift throws at you.
Your job is emotionally heavy at times, so it’s important to process feelings and celebrate the wins (big or small) that remind you why you chose travel nursing.
Practice deep breathing exercises
Journal or jot down thoughts to clear your mind
Lean on coworkers, friends, and family for support
Pause to recognize your impact
Practice gratitude
Mental well-being
A healthy mindset keeps you resilient through challenges and change. Protecting your mental well-being means giving yourself permission to step away, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
Give yourself permission for guilt-free fun and relaxation
At the end of the day, self-care practices are all about giving yourself the same compassion you show to your patients every day. Whether it’s staying hydrated, taking time to connect with loved ones, or simply allowing yourself a moment to breathe, small steps can make a big difference in how you feel. By practicing self-care, you’re not only protecting your own well-being — you’re also making sure you can continue to bring your best, most compassionate self to the people who need you most.
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“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!”
Children’s Hospital of Omaha prides itself as the only full-service pediatric healthcare center in Nebraska. They provide expertise in more than 50 pediatric specialty services to children across the five-state region and beyond.
Nebraska’s only…
They are home to Nebraska’s only Level 4
regionals NICU and the state’s only Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center. Their regional heart center offers expertise
in pediatric heart transplantation.
They are recognized as a 2018-19
Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report in five pediatric
specialties: Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology &
GI Surgery, Orthopedics, and Diabetes & Endocrine Disorders.
They state, “Teamwork, friendly coworkers, a supportive leadership team, and a family-like atmosphere make our workplace feel like home. You will enjoy autonomy, the respect of our world-class physicians, and the opportunity to advance your career.”
Maui Memorial Medical Center is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. They pride themselves on providing high-quality, patient-centered, affordable care for all residents and visitors on Maui and Lanai. Because they are affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, they can provide industry-leading technology systems, evidence-based medicine, and nationally recognized care quality.
Together in health:
One of their missions states, “From developing programs and initiatives to support the total health of our communities to creating the best place to work, deliver, and receive care, Maui Health System is committed to improving the health of the people of Maui and Lanai.”
Their website states, “At Boston Medical Center, all are welcome and treated equally. The best and brightest physicians, representing virtually every medical specialty, choose to work here for the opportunity to make a difference in their community and beyond.
Unwavering in its commitment to the community, BMC is a private, not-for-profit, 514-bed academic medical center in Boston’s historic South End. The primary teaching affiliate for Boston University School of Medicine, BMC is the largest safety-net hospital and busiest trauma and emergency services center in New England.”
Teaching:
At Boston Medical Center, teaching and education are essential. They are the principal teaching affiliate of Boston University School of Medicine. They are devoted to training future generations of healthcare professionals. “Every member of the hospital’s medical and dental staff holds an academic appointment at the Boston University School of Medicine or the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. BMC operates 66 residency training programs with 817 resident and fellowship positions.”
UVA prides itself on being a health system that includes a hospital, a level I trauma center, nationally recognized cancer and heart centers, and primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia.
Ozarks Medical Center is changing how medical care is delivered to their area by providing the rare combination of advanced medicine and compassionate care you can only get at home.
The Joint Commission accredits Ozarks Medical Center on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, an independent, not-for-profit organization that develops quality standards in collaboration with health professionals.
Their website goes on to state that:
“At Ozarks Medical Center, our physicians, nurses, staff, administration, and board of directors are dedicated to providing quality patient care. Our goal is to demonstrate superior clinical quality, safety, and effectiveness. We strive to create a culture of safety and quality for all services: every patient, every time.
The people of this region can be very proud of the high caliber of physicians currently on staff at OMC. With more than 100 doctors, OMC has a strong core of primary care physicians and numerous specialists.”
Altru Health System is a community of over 4,000 health professionals and support staff committed to caring for the region for more than 100 years. They serve over 200,000 residents in northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, and they also provide an array of services to meet the needs of patients of all ages and levels of health.
Mayo Clinic Care Network:
As you will find on their website, they are the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network; because of this, Altru’s providers have access to clinically integrated tools to extend Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise to patients. “Together, we share a common philosophy, commitment, and mission to improve healthcare delivery through high-quality, data-driven, evidence-based medical care and treatment.”
Cherry Hill is part of the Swedish Hospitals. The campus is currently undergoing improvements, and they have a master plan in place that they say,” The new master plan represents a 30-year vision for the future of the Swedish Cherry Hill campus that will allow Swedish to continue providing family medicine and emergency services to patients of all ages, while also treating the most complex cardiovascular and neurological diseases.”
Their commitment to improving the health of our region extends beyond patient care. Whether through physician clinics, health education, research, innovation, or other means of outreach, they are committed to caring for the people in their region and beyond.
As you will find on their website, VCU prides itself on offering above-standard care. “From new, life-saving procedures or a clinical researcher who finds promise in new cancer treatment, we’re making possibilities a reality. The exciting new medicine is happening at VCU Health – every day.”
They have it all:
Five schools
An academic medical center
A Level I trauma center
One of only two NCI-designated cancer centers in Virginia
The region’s only full-service children’s hospital
More than 800 physicians in 200 specialties
With a community health center, dedicated research teams, facilities, and valued partners in every field
Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the MultiCare Health System. It is a comprehensive, private, not-for-profit medical system serving the growing populations of Pierce and King Counties in the greater Puget Sound region of Washington.
Their medical staff includes 1,600 of
the region’s most respected primary care physicians and specialists.
Their website states that their expanding health care delivery system is based in Tacoma and includes acute care hospitals in Tacoma and Puyallup, as well as:
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!”
Children’s Hospital of Omaha prides itself as the only full-service pediatric healthcare center in Nebraska. They provide expertise in more than 50 pediatric specialty services to children across the five-state region and beyond.
Nebraska’s only…
They are home to Nebraska’s only Level 4
regionals NICU and the state’s only Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center. Their regional heart center offers expertise
in pediatric heart transplantation.
They are recognized as a 2018-19
Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report in five pediatric
specialties: Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology &
GI Surgery, Orthopedics, and Diabetes & Endocrine Disorders.
They state, “Teamwork, friendly coworkers, a supportive leadership team, and a family-like atmosphere make our workplace feel like home. You will enjoy autonomy, the respect of our world-class physicians, and the opportunity to advance your career.”
Maui Memorial Medical Center is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. They pride themselves on providing high-quality, patient-centered, affordable care for all residents and visitors on Maui and Lanai. Because they are affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, they can provide industry-leading technology systems, evidence-based medicine, and nationally recognized care quality.
Together in health:
One of their missions states, “From developing programs and initiatives to support the total health of our communities to creating the best place to work, deliver, and receive care, Maui Health System is committed to improving the health of the people of Maui and Lanai.”
Their website states, “At Boston Medical Center, all are welcome and treated equally. The best and brightest physicians, representing virtually every medical specialty, choose to work here for the opportunity to make a difference in their community and beyond.
Unwavering in its commitment to the community, BMC is a private, not-for-profit, 514-bed academic medical center in Boston’s historic South End. The primary teaching affiliate for Boston University School of Medicine, BMC is the largest safety-net hospital and busiest trauma and emergency services center in New England.”
Teaching:
At Boston Medical Center, teaching and education are essential. They are the principal teaching affiliate of Boston University School of Medicine. They are devoted to training future generations of healthcare professionals. “Every member of the hospital’s medical and dental staff holds an academic appointment at the Boston University School of Medicine or the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. BMC operates 66 residency training programs with 817 resident and fellowship positions.”
UVA prides itself on being a health system that includes a hospital, a level I trauma center, nationally recognized cancer and heart centers, and primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia.
Ozarks Medical Center is changing how medical care is delivered to their area by providing the rare combination of advanced medicine and compassionate care you can only get at home.
The Joint Commission accredits Ozarks Medical Center on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, an independent, not-for-profit organization that develops quality standards in collaboration with health professionals.
Their website goes on to state that:
“At Ozarks Medical Center, our physicians, nurses, staff, administration, and board of directors are dedicated to providing quality patient care. Our goal is to demonstrate superior clinical quality, safety, and effectiveness. We strive to create a culture of safety and quality for all services: every patient, every time.
The people of this region can be very proud of the high caliber of physicians currently on staff at OMC. With more than 100 doctors, OMC has a strong core of primary care physicians and numerous specialists.”
Altru Health System is a community of over 4,000 health professionals and support staff committed to caring for the region for more than 100 years. They serve over 200,000 residents in northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, and they also provide an array of services to meet the needs of patients of all ages and levels of health.
Mayo Clinic Care Network:
As you will find on their website, they are the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network; because of this, Altru’s providers have access to clinically integrated tools to extend Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise to patients. “Together, we share a common philosophy, commitment, and mission to improve healthcare delivery through high-quality, data-driven, evidence-based medical care and treatment.”
Cherry Hill is part of the Swedish Hospitals. The campus is currently undergoing improvements, and they have a master plan in place that they say,” The new master plan represents a 30-year vision for the future of the Swedish Cherry Hill campus that will allow Swedish to continue providing family medicine and emergency services to patients of all ages, while also treating the most complex cardiovascular and neurological diseases.”
Their commitment to improving the health of our region extends beyond patient care. Whether through physician clinics, health education, research, innovation, or other means of outreach, they are committed to caring for the people in their region and beyond.
As you will find on their website, VCU prides itself on offering above-standard care. “From new, life-saving procedures or a clinical researcher who finds promise in new cancer treatment, we’re making possibilities a reality. The exciting new medicine is happening at VCU Health – every day.”
They have it all:
Five schools
An academic medical center
A Level I trauma center
One of only two NCI-designated cancer centers in Virginia
The region’s only full-service children’s hospital
More than 800 physicians in 200 specialties
With a community health center, dedicated research teams, facilities, and valued partners in every field
Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the MultiCare Health System. It is a comprehensive, private, not-for-profit medical system serving the growing populations of Pierce and King Counties in the greater Puget Sound region of Washington.
Their medical staff includes 1,600 of
the region’s most respected primary care physicians and specialists.
Their website states that their expanding health care delivery system is based in Tacoma and includes acute care hospitals in Tacoma and Puyallup, as well as:
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!”
Between long shifts, unpredictable schedules, and life on the road, healthcare travelers don’t always have time for time-consuming, elaborate meals. That’s why these fall recipes for healthcare travelers are a game-changer. Quick, comforting, and pumpkin spice-inspired 🎃, they bring the warmth of fall straight to your kitchen, even if that’s a hotel kitchenette, without taking hours to prepare!
Why it works: Prep it the night before and grab it on your way to your shift. Fuel up with a fall-flavored breakfast that’s both filling and portable.
Quick How-To:
Mix rolled oats, milk (or dairy-free alternative), pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Refrigerate overnight.
Top with pumpkin seeds or granola in the morning.
Traveler tip: Prep multiple jars at once for a full week of grab-and-go breakfasts.
2. 5-Minute Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie
Why it works: It’s your portable PSL without the coffee shop stop—ideal before early mornings or night shifts.
Quick How-To:
Blend 1 cup milk, ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1 frozen banana, ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice, and a shot of espresso (or instant coffee).
Sweeten to taste.
Traveler tip: Keep frozen bananas on hand for quick blending.
3. Sheet Pan Chicken & Autumn Veggies
Why it works: One pan, minimal cleanup, and hearty comfort food after a long shift.
Quick How-To:
Cut sweet potatoes, carrots, and brussels sprouts; toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken breast or thighs seasoned with pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and garlic powder.
Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Traveler tip: Cook extra to reheat for lunch the next day.
4. Pumpkin Mac & Cheese Mug
Why it works: A fast, cozy dish perfect for limited kitchen setups in traveler housing.
Quick How-To:
Mix ½ cup cooked pasta, 2 tbsp pumpkin puree, ¼ cup shredded cheese, pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a microwave-safe mug.
Heat for 1–2 minutes until creamy.
Traveler tip: Pre-cook pasta in bulk to make this recipe even quicker.
5. Cinnamon Apple Snack Packs
Why it works: A sweet, energizing snack that travels well in your bag.
Quick How-To:
Slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon, and pair with walnuts or almond butter.
Pack in small containers for shifts.
Traveler tip: Add lemon juice to keep apples fresh longer.
We hope these fall recipes for healthcare travelers make your busy schedule a little more cozy this fall! Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast to get out the door before your shift or enjoying a comforting dinner after a long shift, a little pumpkin spice can go a long way.
We’d love to hear from you! Do you have any simple fall recipes that help you power through your assignments? Share them in the comments! And if you’re looking for your next travel healthcare adventure, visit our job board!
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“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!”
Long shifts, busy schedules, and moving from one assignment to the next can leave healthcare travelers craving some serious downtime. When you finally get a night (or weekend!) to yourself, nothing beats curling up with a binge-worthy show. We have compiled a list of 7 (3 bonus) of the top binge-worthy Hulu shows for every mood. Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a scare, or a drama, you can’t stop watching. Here are the best Hulu shows for healthcare travelers to stream this fall.
Why Healthcare Travelers Will Love It: A perfect mix of comedy, mystery, and charm, this hit series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez is light and entertaining. The quick, witty episodes make it easy to binge after a shift without feeling too heavy.
Why Healthcare Travelers Will Love It: If you like powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes, this dystopian drama delivers. The gripping plot and cliffhangers make it an ideal pick for travelers who want to get lost in a world far from their own.
Why Healthcare Travelers Will Love It: Both of these comedy gems are quirky, relatable, and hilarious. With short episode lengths, they’re perfect to squeeze in during a lunch break, between shifts, or right before bed.
Why Healthcare Travelers Will Love It: Steve Carell takes on a chilling, dramatic role in this psychological thriller. Packed with suspense and intensity, it’s a great choice for fans of true crime podcasts or short-form storytelling.
Why Healthcare Travelers Will Love It: October is the perfect time to dive into this spooky anthropology. Each season tells a standalone horror story, so you can binge one without committing to the whole series. A perfect pick for Halloween vibes after a long shift.
Why Healthcare Travelers Will Love It: This limited series dives into the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. Equal parts fascinating and infuriating, it’s especially intriguing for healthcare professionals who’ll recognize the high-stakes medical themes.
Why Healthcare Travelers Will Love It: Starring Nicole Kidman, this drama unfolds at a mysterious wellness retreat where nothing is as it seems. A mix of suspense, secrets, and stunning visuals, ideal for a cozy fall binge.
8. Quick Hits for Busy Schedules ⏱️
If you don’t have hours to spare, try these shorter binge-worthy Hulu shows:
Candy: A chilling true crime-inspired mini-series
Welcome to Chippendales: A limited series drama full of twists
Fleishman Is In Trouble: Sharp, witty, and engaging.
Whether you’ve been craving laughs, chills, or heart-pounding drama, Hulu has the perfect binge for your fall downtime. For healthcare travelers balancing long shifts and new assignments, these shows are the perfect way to wind down, relax, and recharge between adventures.
With so many binge-worthy Hulu shows to choose from, healthcare travelers can find something to fit their schedule and mood. Whether you’re catching a quick episode between shifts or diving into a weekend marathon, Hulu makes it easy to enjoy your downtime.
We want to know! What are your binge-worthy Hulu shows this fall? Share your picks in the comments! We would love to hear what’s on your watch list.
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“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!”
Taylor has a song (or era) for just about every mood, milestone, and moment. Let’s be honest, nursing is kind of like that, too. From the adrenaline-pumping chaos of ICU to the soft, sparkly heart of Pediatrics, every specialty has its own “Taylor Era” energy.
So… which Taylor Swift era are you as a nurse? Let’s find out:
You thrive under pressure. The ICU is intense, unpredictable, and demands a nurse who can keep calm while the world is burning. Reputation is all about power, resilience, and fighting through chaos … basically, a soundtrack for every code blue you’ve ever conquered.
You bring all the color, kindness, and glitter into your unit. Whether it’s decorating IV poles with stickers or calming nervous parents, you radiate warmth and empathy. Lover is soft, dreamy, and full of heart – just like the way you care for little ones.
Passion, intensity, and constant emotional highs and lows. ER life is fast, fiery, and sometimes feels like you’re living inside a whirlwind love story that changes every shift. Red captures that exact energy – beautiful, tragic, and unforgettable.
Full of magic, life-changing moments, and dramatic plot twists. One second, you’re calming a nervous mom, the next you’re sprinting to grab the OB team. Speak Now has that fairytale-meets-intensity vibe – a perfect fit for nurses who witness brand-new beginnings every shift.
Precise. Calculated. A little mysterious. OR nurses keep everything running behind the scenes like clockwork, and you know how to thrive in the quiet intensity of a midnight shift. Midnights is thoughtful, deliberate, and full of secrets – just like the operating room.
The backbone of nursing. You’re adaptable, dependable, and the first love of so many nurses who started their careers on your floor. Fearless is all about growth, learning, and taking on challenges head-on – the perfect anthem for a Med-Surg nurse.
Empathetic, insightful, and tuned into the human experience. You know how to hold space for stories, emotions, and struggles that others might shy away from. The Tortured Poets Department is complex, lyrical, and deeply human – exactly the kind of energy Psych Nurses bring to every shift.
Gentle strength, resilience, and endless compassion. Oncology nursing is full of deep bonds and emotional journeys. Evermore reflects that bittersweet mix of hope, heartache, and grace that defines your specialty.
Every new assignment is a brand-new stage, and you’re the star. You pack up, move cities, and instantly shine under the hospital lights – no matter the chaos behind the curtain. Just like a true showgirl, you’re fearless, adaptable, and unforgettable everywhere you go.
Looking for your next assignment? Check out our travel nurse job board and see where your next stage will be.
Taylor just announced she’s stepping into a brand-new era with her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. And, here at The Gypsy Nurse, we’re entering our own new era right alongside her. Our community is growing, evolving, and celebrating every nurse’s journey.
So, tell us, which Taylor Swift era are you? Drop your specialty (and your era) in the comments and let’s start this new era together.
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“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!”
In the world of healthcare staffing, two roles often come up in conversations about temporary assignments and travel opportunities: travel nurses and allied travelers. While both play critical roles in supporting healthcare systems across the country, their responsibilities, qualifications, and career paths differ in meaningful ways.
Licensure: Must hold an active RN license, often in multiple states or through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Specialties: Includes ICU, ER, OR, Med-Surg, Labor & Delivery, etc.
Demand: High demand due to nursing shortages, seasonal needs, or crisis response
Compensation: Often includes higher pay, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and bonuses
What Is an Allied Traveler?
An allied traveler refers to a healthcare professional in an allied health role who takes temporary assignments similar to travel nurses. Allied health includes a wide range of professions outside of nursing and medicine.
Common Allied Roles:
Radiologic Technologists
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Respiratory Therapists
Medical Laboratory Technicians
Speech-Language Pathologists
Surgical Technologists
Key Characteristics:
Licensure/Certification: Varies by profession and state, may require national certification (e.g., ARRT, ASCP, NBRC)
Scope of Practice: Focuses on diagnostics, rehabilitation, therapy, and technical support
Demand: Driven by staffing shortages, specialized skill needs, and facility expansions
Compensation: Competitive pay, housing/travel stipends, and benefits similar to travel nurses
Major Differences Between Travel Nurses and Allied Travelers
Feature
Travel Nurse
Allied Traveler
Education
RN degree (ADN or BSN)
Varies by role (Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s)
Licensure
RN license (often multi-state)
Profession-specific certification/licensure
Scope of Work
Direct patient care, medication administration, care planning
Direct patient care, medication administration, and care planning
Specialties
Nursing-focused (ICU, ER, etc.)
Allied health-focused (PT, RT, Lab Tech, etc.)
Assignment Length
8 to 13 weeks (typical)
8 to 13 weeks (typical)
Work Settings
Hospitals, clinics, long-term care
Hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab facilities
Similarities Between the Two Roles
Despite their differences, travel nurses and allied travelers share several similarities:
Flexibility: Both enjoy the freedom to choose assignments and locations
Adventure and travel: opportunities allow professionals to explore new cities and cultures
Professional Growth: Exposure to diverse healthcare settings enhances skills and experience
Support: Agencies often provide housing, travel reimbursement, and credentialing assistance
Which Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between becoming a travel nurse or an allied traveler depends on your education, career goals, and personal interests. If you’re passionate about direct patient care and have an RN license, travel nursing might be your calling. If you’re drawn to therapy, diagnostics, or technical roles, allied travel offers a wide array of opportunities.
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“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!”
TikTok loves to blame your budget on that daily $6 latte. But if you’re a travel healthcare professional, you know, it is a lot more complicated than that!
It is hard not to fall for some of these TikTok budgeting myths, but when your lifestyle includes packing up every 13 weeks, finding housing, and juggling paychecks, that cold brew is the least of your worries, let’s bust some of these viral TikTok budgeting myths and talk about what really matters when it comes to budgeting on the road.
The Reality: Your daily lattes aren’t wrecking your finances, but overpriced short-term housing might be. Or maybe that unclear contract that didn’t break down your taxed vs. untaxed income.
💸Budget Tip:
Use legit housing platforms like Transplant Housing or trusted traveler Facebook groups, like TGN’s Housing Group!
Be sure to ask your recruiter for a breakdown of your pay (stipends and taxed base)
DO NOT skip the fine print! Ask about reimbursements, cancellation clauses, and overtime.
These travel healthcare budgeting choices move the needle more than skipping your latte ever will!
📱Myth #2: “Budgeting Apps Fix Everything”
The Reality: Most budgeting apps assume a predictable paycheck. Healthcare travelers deal with fluctuating income, licensing fees, onboarding costs, and contract gaps. None of which fit neatly into your average budget app.
💸Budget Tip:
Create a rolling 90-day budget with expected income and fixed costs.
Track your expenses using Google Sheets or Notion; you can customize it to your lifestyle.
Build a “between-contracts” savings or cushion for gaps in assignments any time you take off.
Apps are tools; they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your flexible lifestyle needs a flexible budget.
🏃♂️Myth #3: “Just Start a Side Hustle”
The Reality: You work 12-hour shifts, sometimes floating floors, and adjusting to new cities and facilities. Burnout is real. You don’t need to monetize every free hour. While there are some great ways to have a side hustle, finding one that doesn’t take up all of your time off is the key.
💸Budget Tip:
Look for contracts with shift differentials, bonuses, and better stipends.
Track your loyalty points: hotel points, credit card points, airline miles, CEU reimbursement.
Focus on increasing your main income efficiency, not just adding more work for yourself.
A good contract beats a bad side hustle any day.
😬 Myth #4: “You Just Need Better Discipline”
The Reality: It’s not a discipline problem, it’s a logistics problem. You are constantly moving, setting up temporary housing, and balancing the demands of a job and life.
💸Budget Tip:
Automate savings and transfers when your contract starts. This will help you build up your savings without having to move money from one account to the other physically.
Set aside cash for surprise expenses: deposits, scrubs, licensing, etc.
Use “sinking-funds” to plan for non-monthly costs.
Discipline obviously helps, but structure is what saves your sanity and your savings.
🎉Bonus: TikTok Finance Tips That Actually Work (Even for Travelers)
Some TikTok Finance tips actually work… when you tweak them to your traveler lifestyle.
💸Try these finance tips:
Automate savings when you’re on a high-paying contract.
Track spending by category, not just by total.
Try a “no-spend week” between contracts; it helps to reset.
Use cash-back apps like Rakuten or gas reward programs you can use anywhere.
The goal? To make your money work with your lifestyle, not against it.
💭Final Thoughts: Budget Smarter, Not Smaller
Skip the shame spiral. You don’t need to cancel your latte or live like a monk to save money. Instead, focus on big-ticket budgeting wins:
Smart housing decisions
Transparent contract negotiations
Flexible, traveler-specific budgeting tools
Rest when you can to avoid burnout and unplanned time off.
Your lifestyle is fast-paced, bold, and ever-changing… your budget should be too!
If you want more tips on budgeting for travel, healthcare professionals, check out this blog.
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