April 20, 2022

2906 Views

How Travel Nurses Are Earning Extra Money While on Assignment

Posted on April 20, 2022April 20, 2022 by Furnished Finder

There is so much to consider when you’re looking for your next travel nurse job on The Gypsy Nurse. However, have you ever considered making extra money by renting out your place back home when you’re away on your next assignment?

Can you see yourself earning an extra thousand or two every month while you’re traveling?

Knowing that everybody’s living situation is different and that it may not be right for everyone, think about this: your place can be earning you money while you’re on assignment.

If you have a space that will be vacant while you go to another city to work, why not let it start working for you?

I like that I can get help with my mortgage while also giving fellow travelers a safe and clean place to stay. – Trudy R.

I’m a travel nurse and have listed and rented out my condo while I am on the road. Love the platform. So easy to screen potential renters. Judith L.

I’m very familiar with the traveling lifestyle (I’m also a travel nurse), and I love being able to help other travelers while I’m away working. It just makes sense, and I didn’t like that my place just sat there for 3 months while I was gone anyway. Win/Win. Angie M

Travel Nurses make the best landlords.

Travelers make the best landlords because they know what they’re looking for. You pretty much just need to set up the space for yourself since you’ll be renting to others with the same housing requirements you need when you’re on the road. Plus, you don’t even have to own the actual property as sublets are fine, too… as long as your lease doesn’t prohibit subletting.

No booking fees.

On Furnished Finder, there are no booking fees, and you keep 100% of the rent. Here’s a free guide to becoming a landlord which answers most of the basic questions you might be asking yourself (How much can I get for rent? Can I screen the tenants beforehand? Where do I get a copy of a lease? What happens if their contract is canceled? Should I have homeowners insurance?…)

There’s a lot to think about, but if you think that you might want to start hosting travelers yourself, feel free to have a conversation with someone at Furnished Finder to see if it is right for you. And for a limited time, Furnished Finder is giving Gypsy Nurse travelers a code for 10% off the listing fee. Use FFTRAVEL at check out.

We hope you found this article on how travel nurses are making extra money while on assignment helpful. Do you rent out your home while you are on assignment to make extra money? If you would like to share your story, comment below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

Good luck & safe travels!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By AB Staffing Solutions

April 19, 2022

2841 Views

Timeline of a Travel Nurse: Expressing Interest through Orientation

Posted on April 19, 2022January 16, 2023 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

When it comes to the timeline of a travel nurse from expressing interest to orientation, there are a lot of steps, but they all lead to an exciting new job. The best part is that even if the position isn’t perfect, you’re there 13 weeks and can let your recruiter know if you’d like to extend your stay, if possible, or look for another opportunity. While we’d love to meet every one of the items on your wish list, and we try hard to do so, there are times when the need for your skills is greater in a different place, or there are simply no positions currently available. Working closely with your recruiter and knowing what you want will help us find the best place for you.

Where does the timeline of a travel nurse begin?

If you’re new to travel nursing, remember that the timeline of a travel nurse begins and ends with your recruiter. Begin the search process by researching travel nurse agencies and, like with so much of the rest of our lives, asking friends and colleagues for referrals. Then it’s time to call to inquire or apply online.

The recruiter will ask questions like these to get to know you.

In which state(s) are you willing to work?
How many years of nursing experience do you have?
Are you traveling with family or pets?
What is the hourly or weekly rate you’re looking to earn?
When are you available?

This gives you an idea of the style at the agency and if their opportunities align with your career aspirations. Once you decide to work with an agency, the recruiter will ask you to complete a profile that includes contact information, resume, skills checklist, and certifications. They then send your profile to clients on your behalf.

Phone Interview

Once accepted, the recruiter will set up a phone interview with the facility, or they may automatically offer you the position. This is the time to ask questions specifically about the position and the facility. If declined, the recruiter will continue the search if you so desire.

Credentialing Process

When you accept an offer, you will then go through the credentialing process. You will be asked to provide documents like a driver’s license, certifications, immunization records, urine analysis, fingerprinting, and a background check. Once this is completed, your recruiter will review the contract with you, and you will sign it or ask any questions you may have.

Where will you live?

The next step is finding a place to live during your contract. Reach out to your housing department, if your agency has one, to help you find your home away from home. You may be able to stay at onsite housing or at the facility’s contracted hotel. You may opt, like some travelers do, to bring your own RV or use a short-term rental. It really depends on where you are located as to what is available for housing, so being flexible is key.

Your first day-

On your first day, your recruiter will send you reporting instructions for orientation. We encourage our travelers to reach out to their recruiters with feedback and questions. We want to understand how we can improve the experience for you. Of course, we want to know if there are challenges as well as the good news from every assignment you have with us.

Contract extension-

If the facility would like to extend your contract, your recruiter will reach out to you about 4 weeks before your initial contract ends to give you the option of staying. You may choose to stay or decide that you’d like to go somewhere else, and your recruiter will go back to work to find you another assignment.

As you can see, the timeline of a travel nurse begins and ends with your recruiter. We are here to support you through the process, understand what’s happening once you’re placed, and find your next assignment for you. Happy Traveling!

Are you looking for your next travel nursing assignment? Click here to view our job board. Are you looking for housing for your next travel assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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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!”

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Hannah Dennis

April 17, 2022

8177 Views

Jobs Fill Your Pockets, but Travel Nurse Adventures Fill Your Soul

Posted on April 17, 2022April 17, 2022 by Hannah Dennis

The End of My Travel Nurse Adventures….or so I thought

Last year I decided to stop travel nursing. I accepted a job in Dallas, TX. After falling in love, I couldn’t leave after my contract had ended. It was so exciting, though because—I put my name on a lease, bought furniture, signed up for cable and internet; these were mundane, everyday tasks that I hadn’t been able to do during my travel nurse adventures, and they thrilled me. I envisioned myself as Joanna Gaines.

My overpriced apartment was going to be ridiculously cool and farmhouse chic. I had fancy artwork on the walls and trendy pots of succulents (they were fake, of course. RIP to all the plants I ever touched). I proudly displayed candy in clear glass jars on my bar and hung patio lights on my porch. I was convinced that I would be so very content because I was finally in one solitary place. The problem was my solitary place turned into solitary confinement.

I was alone and standing still for the first time in years.

And I felt hopelessly smothered and constricted. It felt like I was gasping for breath, but the air wouldn’t come. I succumbed to the depression that I been subconsciously running from for years. I was unable to lift the weight of my body from the solace of my bed. The curtains that Jo-Hannah Gaines had carefully color-matched and picked out were drawn completely shut to block out the light. The couches that Jo-Hannah Gaines had excitedly bought were unused and collecting unfolded laundry. The flowers that Jo-Hannah Gaines picked out to add that perfect final touch were falling apart and rotting. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t eat. I cried. I slept. I stayed in solitary confinement for weeks.

After much encouragement from my family

I sought out a doctor. It was hard for me to tell this stranger that I was trapped in my own head and couldn’t get out. I felt so ashamed of myself walking into that appointment. I was formally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and prescribed medication to take daily. They told me it would take 4-6 weeks to see a change, but one concept had changed: I finally had hope.

Weeks later, a co-worker said she had noticed a change in my demeanor. She told me about a woman who had grown to face challenges head-on and with a positive attitude—a woman who found it important to uplift others as well as herself. She described someone happy to motivate and teach others and encouraged teamwork and togetherness. It was strange, though, because she described me as someone I couldn’t imagine ever being again: myself.

I stopped for a second to evaluate my life and noticed it had leveled out. I kept my apartment clean, and I was cooking meals for myself. I had started complimenting others to make their day. I realized my self-worth had returned and that I had set a higher standard for myself and the people I chose to let in my life. I was delighted to find that I was becoming Hannah again. That wasn’t enough, though. I had stabilized my life, but deep down inside, I felt like I wasn’t living it—I still felt numb, like something was missing.

So, I signed a travel contract.

It was the beginning of new travel nurse adventures. While driving to my assignment, I decided on a whim to take a detour to Shenandoah National park. I had excitedly rolled my windows down to let the park’s crisp, cool air fill my car with the sweet smells of forest and rain. I looked in the rearview mirror to see my dog, Hank. He was happily hanging his head out of the window for better views, and I decided we deserved a quick pit stop.

I pulled off the road onto one of the scenic gaps the park offered and immediately gasped. The beautiful, green landscape of the rolling mountains and winding rivers had physically taken my breath away. Wildflowers of every color had bloomed alongside the mountain, and butterflies were happily fluttering between them. I inhaled deeply. It was my first true deep breath I had been able to take in months. It was the kind of a deep breath that stretched all the way down to the bottom of my ribcage and held its place until it caused my belly to poke out. It felt as if my chest was going burst from all the pressure. On exhale, I felt such a rush of happiness that it made my heart physically ache. It was the inexplicable feeling of my soul reawakening.

One year later and my depression is still with me.

I’ve been able to accept that I will always have an ugly demon lurking in the dark depths of my mind waiting for its chance to take over again, but I also have a better understanding of what keeps it at bay. Looking back at the past year, I realized I needed to stop travel nursing to see just how broken I had become. I needed my depression—my demon—to rear its ugly head so that I could face it head-on. However, if I had never gone back to the travel nurse adventures, I would have never been able to fully recover from my darkest point and reawaken my drive for living life.

I’ve chosen a job that can fill my pockets, but most importantly it can fill my soul with adventure.

I think that’s all I can really hope for in this life. That and my acceptance letter to Hogwarts.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

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By Kevin Devoto

April 15, 2022

3120 Views

8 Tips for Caring for Your Mental and Physical Health When You Travel

Posted on April 15, 2022April 11, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Are you about to spend a lot of time on the road or in a hotel? You’re in good company; many more people are traveling these days, and much of that travel is work-related. Remote options, contract jobs, and other innovative opportunities abound. If you want to make the most out of these experiences, your mental and physical health must stay strong. Here are several self-care tips to follow when you’re away from home.

1. Stay Rested

Getting the proper amount of restorative rest and sleep is vital if you want to stay energetic, alert, and calm. It isn’t easy if you’re dealing with changing time zones, work shifts, and the general wear and tear of travel. Stick to basics: Bring items that will help you maintain a nurturing sleep routine. Some of those items might include a special pillow, essential oils, a sleep mask, or earplugs. Be aware of the thermostat, too; do a search using terms such as optimal sleeping temperature to find useful information.

2. Get Cozy

A big part of mental and emotional health is feeling safe and grounded. Do you have a special blanket that feels like home? Then bring it — or one that’s similar to it. Are your fuzzy slippers perfect for lounging around? Pack them. The same goes for other items that make you feel relaxed and cared for.

3. Get Nourished

Keeping your blood sugar and energy stable is always crucial, but it’s especially important when you travel. Do some research to find out about the food available at your destination, and stock up with healthy treats and meals when you arrive. When you work, make sure to eat at regular intervals and hydrate.

4. See the Sights

As soon as possible, after you arrive at your destination, go for a walk or run around the neighborhood. It’s a potent stress reliever and will help your body acclimate to your new environment and sunlight patterns. Even though it might be tempting, avoid holing up in your room for your entire stay (outside of work). Getting out for a few minutes or hours will do wonders for your energy and perspective.

5. Stay In Touch

Sometimes, it’s great to get away from it all and turn the volume down on your text and phone interactions. That said, it’s good for your mental and emotional health to check in with supportive loved ones occasionally to give and receive a fun text or photo. Even if you’re abroad, apps like WhatsApp will help you stay in touch. Do you have a counselor who you count on? Do a check-in if you’re feeling stressed out.

6. Pack Layers

Keep it simple and pack wrinkle-resistant, coordinated clothing that you won’t have to think much about. Include a few fashionable layers to prepare for unexpected weather changes. Also, leave a bit of room in your suitcase for great finds at your destination!

7. Get Pampered

It’s always fun to get a blowout, massage, or mani-pedi, but it’s especially nice when you travel. If you have the time and a bit of extra money, consider taking a few hours away to receive some quality pampering.

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

With travel comes new sights, sounds, and experiences. Sometimes, these experiences are unexpected ones. To boost your safety and peace of mind, have a point person who always knows your location. Check out a few online resources that focus on travel safety, so you can plan ahead.

Caring for your mental and physical health when you travel requires self-awareness, careful planning, and the willingness to be flexible. Try these tips to enhance your trip.

We hope you found these eight tips for caring for your mental and physical health while traveling helpful. Do you have any tips to add? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By The Gypsy Nurse

April 14, 2022

3048 Views

The Importance of Annual Eye Appointments

Posted on April 14, 2022April 11, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

It is easy to forget or procrastinate on your annual appointments when your life consists of a busy schedule and lots of travel. One of the most important, often overlooked, is your annual eye appointment. In fact, many people only go to the eye doctor when they feel that they are experiencing eyewear or vision problems. Arguably, eye health is one of the most important facets of our well-being. Not only are our eyes a crucial part of our body, but they can impact the rest of our body in an enormous way, both physically and mentally.

Your Eyes Change Often

The eyes are always changing! Whether they are adapting to the light or fighting allergy season, your eyes are constantly adjusting to their environment. Eyes can also experience change or become irritated when traveling. For many, changes in altitude when flying or the dryness of the plane can enhance eye problems. These effects can cause redness, discomfort, and even blurry vision from the irritation. A quick solution to help prevent this issue is by using over-the-counter eye drops. However, visiting your eye doctor can help prevent any of these seasonal or environmental changes from becoming long-term issues and protect your eyes from such conditions.

Decreases Vision Loss Over Time

As we all know, going to routine appointments helps to prevent and monitor any problems. It also is a reflection of your last visit to make sure that nothing has happened within that yearly or bi-yearly period. Bringing your file up to date with your physician is extremely important. While you can use these appointments to prevent any new or worsening ailments, you also have the opportunity to discuss and set goals with your doctor regarding your health and wellness. It’s also important to let your doctor know if you have experienced any changes to your lifestyle. Whether it’s big or small, it’s crucial to check with your doctor about any changes or difficulties in your vision.

Eyewear Wear and Tear

As mentioned previously, many individuals do not think to get their eyes examined until something is wrong or uncomfortable with their vision or eyewear. Just like the other products you use daily, eyewear experiences wear and tear over time, causing them to become loose, crooked, or scratched. Although simple adjustments can fix many issues, a lot of individuals wait until the last minute. If you are someone who consistently wears glasses, having them fit properly is vital to your overall comfort. There are many glasses that come in a variety of sizes and widths to help assure the most comfortable fit. Glasses that are not suited for your face shape and size can cause irritation and headaches, so it is beneficial to take the time to choose the most comfortable pair that coordinates with your style.

Eyes Indicate Other Health Problems

By far, one of the most important reasons to get your eyes checked is because your eye health is a window to your overall health! Changes or difficulties with your vision can uncover larger problems with your health. Some of the most common include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Although you should check in with your general physician as well, making sure that you attend your annual eye exam is a great way to assure any underlying medical conditions aren’t affecting your vision as well.

Required for Driving

If you are someone who drives, updated eye examinations are a requirement for many people to apply for or renew their licenses. Driving with impaired vision is extremely dangerous for you and other people on the road. Especially with a busy travel schedule, you always want to make sure that your examination is up-to-date so that you don’t have to worry about your license expiring or becoming invalid.

Perfect Vision Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Go.

Lastly, just because you can see perfectly doesn’t mean you should not go to the eye doctor! Even if you have 20/20 vision, it is always beneficial to learn more about your personal eye health and to ensure that your vision is in good condition. Although it may not be a requirement for you to go every year, setting up eye appointments every two to three years is a great way to prevent any issues and ensure both happy and healthy eyesight!

We hope that you found this article on the importance of annual eye appointments helpful. If you have any questions or comments please comment below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Gifted Healthcare

April 13, 2022

21578 Views

7 Best Tiktok Accounts to Follow if You are Looking for Nurse on TikTok

Posted on April 13, 2022April 29, 2024 by Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

Are you hoping to be inspired, encouraged, and educated by your nursing peers? Nurses have flooded to TikTok to share their unfiltered on-the-job experiences that will make you feel seen. There are many fantastic nursing influencers for RNs, and they provide a variety of content, from sharing lifestyle tips to posting commiserating humor that will help you feel connected to the nursing community as you travel.

Whether you are looking for a pre or post-shift giggle or a heartfelt reminder of why #NurseLife is the best life, we’ve created a list of TikTok’s Top Nurse Influencers for you to check out and follow.

1. Nurse Tara

officialtiktoknurse 1.3M followers

Nurse Tara is a school nurse who shares stories about her experience with her students and tips on how to help various problems, from how to put your contacts, how to stop nose bleeds, preventing swimmers’ ear, and more. All nurses can benefit from the advice she shares through her videos.

2. ER Nurse

lifeofpresleyandme
138.7K followers

This ER Nurse is also a single mother. She asks trivia questions on her page about the work of an ER Nurse and later updates her page with a video revealing the answer and some information on her experience. This page will be helpful for ER Nurses but also for any nurse that wants to continuously learn more about the field.

She also has fun sharing her OOTD, so you might find some fashion inspiration for your next shift too!

3. Nurse Michelle

Nursemichelle2
43.8K followers

Nurse Michelle is an Australian nurse that posts content from both the patient’s and nurse’s points of view. You can giggle along at real-life interactions you have most likely experienced on your floor first-hand.

4. Nurse Rouse

Enfermerarubia 338.3K followers

Nurse Rouse is a 26-year-old Spanish-speaking nurse that works in Murcia, Spain. She has hundreds of videos and shares content on Instagram as well, so you will be able to find her on multiple platforms.

5. LEGO Nurse

Brickology
154.3K followers

This TikTok user has shared hundreds of videos that depict nurse life through LEGO stop-motion clips. Not only are the details and quality of each video incredible, but the content is very relatable. Check out this clip on How Nurses Keep Their Cool – even when they don’t want to.

6. Joscel James

josceljames 25.3K followers

Joscel James is a travel nurse comedian that puts his two skills together to create humorous travel nursing content. Check out this TikTok about phrases he deems to be only “travel nurse phrases.” He also has a YouTube channel with more than 1.6K subscribers that you could check out for more humor.

7. Nurse Kev

thatnursekev
29.6K followers

Nurse Kev is a medsurg nurse that recently became an insurance nurse. She shares about her experience on the medsurg floor and how she found the perfect nurse job for her lifestyle. She jumps in on popular TikTok trends and relates them to nursing life.

Having a close-knit community of nursing peers is definitely an asset to living that #NurseLife. As a travel nurse, you can connect with the nursing community online as you take on new travel assignments, experience different facilities, and connect with nurses all around the country. Some of these accounts might even inspire your own experiences to help other travel nurses just like you!

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By David Timm

April 12, 2022

6451 Views

How To Create a Sunday Reset Routine When You’re Always on the Go

Posted on April 12, 2022March 31, 2022 by David Timm

Are you craving a set routine while you’re on the road? It might be hard to figure out a time to customize your Sunday reset while you’re constantly bouncing from place to place, but that’s why we’re here to help.

How to Achieve a Sunday Reset on the Road

When you hear the term “Sunday reset,” your mind probably goes to stay-at-home parents hunched over and cleaning their kitchen or kids’ rooms, but that’s not the reality for traveling young professionals.

Although you’re most likely living with a short-term lease, it doesn’t mean that you can’t create your own reset routine and get yourself centered. Instead of focusing solely on chores to do around your home, you can create a Sunday reset routine to focus on your physical and mental well-being. Remember that your most important patient is yourself.

Creating a Sunday Reset Journal

Creating a journal for your reset routine is a great hack since your journal will travel with you wherever you go. Whether you prefer to jot your thoughts and goals down on a physical checklist or a digital one, you’ll always have it on-hand to keep your objectives in mind.

To create a custom reset routine, you should follow four simple steps:

Evaluate your goals for the week, whether they be personal, physical, emotional, or work-related.
Plan how you’ll accomplish the goals that you set for yourself.
Reset by putting these words into action, and
Rest at the end of your day with an activity that relaxes you.

Find Balance in Your Sunday Reset

Finding balance is key to your mental and physical well-being. Make sure that you split your reset routine between physical, emotional, and work-related facets of your life.

Yes, Your Sunday Reset Can Happen on Wednesday…

…or any other day of the week, for that matter. The life of a travel nurse is hectic and always in flux. This is why it’s important to find solutions for your well-being that can keep you healthy and accountable.

We hope this article on creating a Sunday Reset helpful. How do you reset? Comment below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By Titan Medical

April 11, 2022

3288 Views

Be Prepared When Severe Weather Strikes as a Travel Nurse

Posted on April 11, 2022March 31, 2022 by Titan Medical

Titan Medical provided this article.

Are you headed to a new assignment soon where severe weather is common? Here are some tips to consider as storm season rolls in and you’re preparing for an assignment in a new location with unfamiliar weather:

Keep a weather bag

Keep a “Weather Bag” in your vehicle and fill it with a few items such as extra clothing, non-perishable foods, water bottles, power cords and medicine. Having these items in your car allows you to travel in comfort with necessities on-hand.

Avoid driving in flowing water on the roadways.

Often it can be difficult to know exactly how much water is in on the road when it’s raining, but if you notice it beginning to rush down the road, don’t continue any further. It only takes 6-inches of flooding to lose control and take your vehicle off track.

Watch for unusual clouds

Watch closely for unusual clouds moving into your area. Often times, clouds can be the first telling sign of bad weather. Dark and/or green-tinted cloud coverage can be an indication of severe thunderstorms, hail or possible tornadoes.

Stay away from water and wires.

Electricity can flow through these elements even if lightning strikes are a good distance away. It’s also encouraged that you stay off electronics that are hooked into an outlet and stay away from water sources.

For weather updates during your travels, be sure to follow the National Weather Service and their website at weather.gov

___

If you’re ready for your next travel assignment, give Titan Medical a call today at 866.332.9600, and we’d love to assist in finding your next adventure!

We hope these tips for staying safe when severe weather strikes helpful. Do you have any tips for severe weather for travel nurses? Comment them below.

Are you looking for our next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Join The Gypsy Nurse Nation

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

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

—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

Join Now

By Laura Zurczak

April 10, 2022

31010 Views

Canadian Travel Nurse Working in the U.S.

Posted on April 10, 2022April 29, 2024 by Laura Zurczak

So, you think we’re just neighbors, eh?

I, myself, a Canadian travel nurse RN, BSN with over five years of nursing experience, started as a traveling RN well over two years ago (time flies when you’re having the time of your life!). It was the biggest decision I have made to date. Even though I am ‘just’ a country over, it’s far more complicated than I anticipated. I am considered an Alien here. I’m not even kidding. I have a travel nurse work visa that requires renewal every couple of years. That’s the easy part of it all even if it means renewing it at a Canadian-USA international border.

Personal Canadian Car

I have traveled cross country multiple times with my Canadian-insured car and plate. Now, this is where it gets tricky. The car can only be out of the country for a few months at a time for my insurance company anyways. This had never been a problem because I often drove to my home county between assignments to unload and reload based on the state and weather. But I’m loving the West Coast way too much (isn’t the West Coast the best coast?) and have no immediate intentions of driving cross country any time soon. So, the question is, do I ship my car home just so that it’s back in the country for insurance purposes, then ship it back over, or simply sell it to make my life a whole lot easier and use public transit? I’m still trying to make the decision.

State Licenses

Secondly, believe it or not, I have to go through vigorous paperwork for all of my single-state nursing licenses. No compact licenses for me. Not only do I have to submit my university transcripts, but I also have to pay a couple of hundred dollars (that doesn’t get reimbursed) and get my Canadian nursing degree verified through the CGFNS. This can take several weeks, even months.

Now for the Fun Stuff

I get asked all the time what the main differences are in working as a travel nurse in the US in comparison to Canada. When a co-worker hears that I’m from Canada, I immediately get responses like, “Oh, I have cousins that live in Vancouver. Would you know them?” or “I’ve visited the city of Ontario but not the province of Toronto.” I mean, I get it. Not all Americans are educated in Canadian geography. I myself wasn’t familiar with the locations of states until I started driving cross country. I had a map in my hand, anticipating the next state with the fun-looking “Welcome to…” signs.

Private Hospitals Verse Not-for-Profit, What the Heck?

Back when I first started traveling, that was the first time I had ever heard such a thing. Now, I know the differences, and I can for sure say we do not have that in the province of Ontario. Free healthcare for everyone. This brings on the next topic. Yes, healthcare is free, but keep in mind we do pay for it in sales tax, for example, and in other ways that I probably have no idea. This topic can get tricky, but I can say it’s nice knowing I can go to the ED and not be scared if I have to be admitted. Yes, hospital stays are all covered, and no bills are sent in the mail. I can only imagine the headache that causes…

Working in Canada or U.S.?

Lastly, I get asked a lot, which do you like better, working in Canada or the U.S.? I have only worked at one hospital in Ontario and seven in the US. I really do like the way the system is over here. Mainly because patients are getting treated quicker, with the huge one being that there are no long waits for specialist appointments! Patients are getting the proper care sooner rather than later.

Keep this in mind. This is in relation to my experience at one hospital in a small town in Ontario. I cannot account for other hospitals within the province, but from what I heard, it’s pretty much the same.

Why do I do it?

Some of you may think, why on earth do I put myself through this stress and headache every three months? To me, it’s only temporary. Once that is all out of the way, it’s smooth sailing, and that is the best part. I can enjoy myself at my new location and start my new journey. I love my home country, but I also have gotten a liking to working in US hospitals. For now, the US is my home. I am still Canadian, obviously- I’ve gotten asked that question before!

Want more information on being a Canadian travel nurse? These articles will provide more Canadian travel nurse information and views:

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