Should you take a 36-hour contract or a 48-hour contract?
The holidays are approaching—a time when you’re looking for more flexibility, especially if you don’t have PTO scheduled. Burnout is real, so you’re probably steering clear from working 48-60 hours a week, which has been more common over the past couple of years. These are key reasons to lean toward 36-hour shifts. But another consideration might be the financial side of things. When it comes to how you’re paid, there’s a difference between working overtime on a 36-hour contract vs. a 48-hour contract. Simply put, you have a higher potential for overtime (payable after you hit the 40-hour mark) on a 36-hour contract. Here’s how it breaks down: Most hospitals don’t allow agencies to bill an overtime rate on a 48-hour contract until more than 48 hours have been worked in a week. However, agencies still pay those on contract for overtime after 40 hours, whether it’s a 36-hour contract or a 48-hour contract. Essentially, there’s more flexibility for agencies like LiquidAgents Healthcare to increase the overtime rate on a 36-hour contract because they can bill the facilities for the overtime rate starting after the 40-hour mark, versus a 48-hour contract where most hospitals only accept billing at the regular rate after the 48-hour mark (when billing at the overtime rate begins). Keep in mind: On a 36-hour contract, agencies usually have flexibility to increase the overtime rate after 40 hours. However, on a 48-hour contract, overtime is a standard 1.5x the regular hourly rate, with no flexibility. Here’s an example: 36-hour contract Your regular taxable rate is $40/hr. Your OT rate is $100 Your stipends are $1350 You pick up an extra shift and work 48 hours that week: $40/hr times 40 hours = $1600 $100/hr times 8 hours = $800 Plus stipends = $1350 Total = $3,750 gross weekly 48-hour contract Your regular taxable rate is $40/hr. Your OT rate is $60 Your stipends are $1350 You work your regularly scheduled shifts: $40/hr times 40 hours = $1600 $60/hr times 8 hours = $480 Plus stipends = $1350 Total = $3,430 gross weekly Hope this helps, and happy traveling!
Your Burnout Survival Kit
By Karla Theilen, RN, contributing writer You know what it’s like when your phone battery starts draining power more quickly, and each time you recharge it, it not only seems to take longer, but the battery seems to go dead faster, too? Now think of your own battery, the one that powers you for your 12+ hour shifts. Is your battery taking longer to re-charge, and getting drained more quickly? Remember when a one-night Netflix binge could reset your mind and body for work? And now, locking yourself in a dark room and watching every episode of Game of Thrones won’t even do the trick? Friend, you may be on the fast track to burnout. Luckily, I have some tried-and-true tips to share with you. 1. 4-7-8 breathing. No, 4-7-8 is not the area code of the junk call you just received, it’s a simple, but incredibly effective stress-reducing breathing technique based on inhaling for four seconds with lips closed, holding the breath for seven seconds, then exhaling for eight whole seconds. Try exhaling through pursed lips or make a “whooshing” sound with the exhale; the point is to let it all out. You can even do this at work, in the med room, supply closet, or even the bathroom. Which reminds me to tell you, DO go to the bathroom. Nobody wins a prize for having the fullest bladder at the end of the shift. 2. Inventory your stressors. Is it just work? Or are you trying to do too much when you’re not at work, too? Start with dropping something you don’t really want to do anyhow, like the book club you’re in where nobody else but you ever reads the book. Try not reading the book next month and then just show up for the drinks and snacks like everyone else. It might actually be fun. Or drop the book club altogether, or any one of the other obligations you squeeze in outside of work that you don’t love doing. Quitters are winners sometimes—just ask a former smoker who now runs marathons. 3. Know the limits of a workday. One of the wisest things an older nurse ever told me when I was first starting out was this: Nursing is a 24-hour operation. You are only responsible for what you can get done in your twelve hours. As hard as it is for perfectionists, overachievers, or workaholics (i.e. just about every nurse I know), you need to understand that despite best intentions, things will be left undone at the end of your shift. If you truly did your best to get your patient to CT during your shift, or kept trying to do a dressing change, but the call lights didn’t stop ringing? Let it go. Others have had to leave work for you, and you have to do the same, too. Once again, nursing is a 24-hour operation, and we’re all in this together. 4. Feed yourself. I am not talking about Red Bull and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, either. Many of the convenience foods we nurses shovel down in the stolen moments away from our patients aren’t doing our bodies any favors. Too much sugar, carbs, and caffeine can actually send us nosediving into a crash when consumed in excess. Choose foods with the nutrients your body needs. Check the list of ingredients on the package. If the list is longer than your arm, or you need a translator to decode all of the mystery ingredients, give it a pass. Try cutting up an apple, slather it with peanut butter, make some hard-boiled eggs, and pop everything in your lunch bag. Fill your water bottle while you’re at it, too. Your kidneys will thank you. Now that you’ve done your body a favor, you can have those Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, guilt-free. 5. Fill your bucket. Even though Netflix, margaritas, or even a spa day can provide temporary relief, make changes that actually nourish your being long-term. Develop a practice of walking, stretching, take an art class, or engage in a hobby that brings you joy. One surprisingly effective, bucket-filling habit is simply learning to say no. Even the best nurse out there needs to have good boundaries, and a personal life, too. Karla Theilen is a writer, storyteller, and Registered Nurse based out of Missoula, Montana. Her writing has been featured on NPR, STAT News, Life in a Strong Town, and select stories and essays have been anthologized. She has been Facebook-free since 1972.
Get the nurse job that you want
By Kay Slane Healthcare Professionals are always looking for the ultimate travel job. And whether it’s mountains, beaches, cold weather, or hot weather, every traveler has their own idea of a great location. A big problem in 2022 is that jobs are moving at lightning speed. A job can be posted at 9 am, and by 1:00 p.m., the vendor or hospital gets over 100 profiles for nurses who are interested in that position. With the market being flooded with nurses, it’s tough to find that perfect assignment, especially if you are just getting into travel healthcare with only a few years of experience as a healthcare professional. Now more than ever, it’s important to do your research in an agency that understands the market volatility and how difficult it is to find travel healthcare jobs. They need to be dedicated to making this process as seamless as possible by giving healthcare travelers the tools to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. However, some of the best jobs are now being discovered by technology platforms for healthcare professionals that let you find, book, and manage your next job from one place, without a recruiter. With these options you can: Search the highest-paying nursing and allied health jobs nationwide. Get full pay details with complete transparency. Personalize your pay package and benefits. Apply, accept offers, sign & upload documents, and get updates in real-time. Manage compliance and timesheets, request extensions, and more. All with no recruiter costs, so you take home the most money. This new technology gives you all the tools you need to have a successful travel career. With the jobs being updated in real-time and alerts sent to your email box, you get the upper hand over other travelers who don’t take advantage of a rapid fulfillment system. In essence, you’re finally in total control of your destiny. You choose where you want to go. There are no recruiters to try to get you into the assignment that’s most profitable for the agency. You decide what is most beneficial and best fits your criteria. You also never have to worry about being submitted to a hospital that doesn’t fit your nursing style. YOU control where and when you submit for a contract, ensuring that you take control of your future, and that your profile finds the manager’s desk first. That sounds like the ultimate travel job to me. Kay Slane, RN, BS, CGM, is a 30-year career nurse and writer who has traveled in the areas of rehab, telemetry, emergency room, and since 2010, as a House Supervisor. She currently works from home educating nurses on becoming better travelers through her books, several travel nursing groups, and her recent development of a travel nursing university.
How to Begin your Travel Nurse Career
By Kay Slane After you complete two years of experience, it’s understandable if you’re anxious to get out there and see what the travel nurse life is all about. But first, there are several things you need to get started. Fortunately, none of them are too complicated. Let’s take a look: 1 After 1.5 years of experience, it’s recommended that you get a skills checklist, which can be downloaded from most agency websites. And when you can do 80% of those tasks independently, you’re ready to go. 2 Travelers need to realize that orientation can last for 4 hours to 4 days because travelers are expected to hit the ground running with minimal supervision. 3 Another must for first-time travelers: Be flexible and adaptable. You need to look at every location, hospital setting, and reviews that you can find about a place. Just because it isn’t in a prime location like Hawaii or Alaska doesn’t mean it won’t be a gratifying assignment. Once you gain more travel experience, you can become more selective about where you want to work. 4 One of the first mistakes that travel healthcare professionals get caught up in is the big world of travel healthcare, only to find out that they’ve been set up for failure by an agency that isn’t “legit.” Travelers must always ensure that an agency is Joint Commission Certified (HCSS). 5 Make sure your resume information is up-to-date. Some agencies will take a short application and a resume, while some want everything on the application related to profile submission formatting. Either way, it’s nice to have all your information and job history on file with agency, hospital, dates, hospital size, unit size, and specialty, with a simple one to two sentences on your duties. 6 Last but not least, ensure that you have your credentials on file to make them easy to find. Few things are worse than having to hunt for your BLS, TNCC, or AWHONN certification that you haven’t seen since you received them a year ago. 7 Don’t forget to breathe during this process! With these simple tips, you’ll be able to hit the road sooner than you think, and you won’t be pulling your hair out trying to do things at the last minute. Best wishes and happy travels! Kay Slane, RN, BS, CGM, is a 30-year career nurse and writer who has traveled in the areas of rehab, telemetry, emergency room, and since 2010, as a House Supervisor. She currently works from home educating nurses on becoming better travelers through her books, several travel nursing groups, and her recent development of a travel nursing university.
5 Tips to Succeed as a Travel Nurse
Great pay, more flexibility, the chance to see new places and build relationships are key reasons why being a travel nurse has such appeal. But how can you help ensure the experience goes well? Here are some quick tips for success. Do your research. Find the right company with the support you need to fit your desires, goals, and even your personality. It’s like dating. You’re going to want to make sure it’s a good fit before committing to anything, so you want a team that’s dependable and who you can work with if the going gets rough—the same team you’re happy to send fun selfies to if you love your assignment. Get organized. Have your licenses, credentials, vaccination records, and certificates up-to-date and uploaded on your computer. This will save you and your recruiter a lot of headaches. DO sweat the small stuff in this case, because these are the things that can delay getting you into your dream assignment. Staffing platforms such as the StaffDNA app make it easy to keep your profile updated and complete so you’re able to be submitted quickly to the jobs you want. And with StaffDNA, your credentials remain accessible from assignment to assignment, so it’s easier to apply to your next contract or extend your current one. Be the kind of nurse you want to work with. Arrive at a new assignment ready to work, not with a list of days off that you need. Facilities use contract nurses because they are short staffed: be part of the solution, not the problem. Just because you are a hired gun doesn’t mean you have to act like one. Nurses know that teamwork makes the dream work. Introduce yourself to your new team, tell them a little bit about yourself, and ask questions. This will break the ice and let them know that you value their input. Your nursing chops will speak for themselves. Don’t waste your time (or theirs) by puffing up your chest talking about your skills and experiences—just show them what you’ve got when the rubber hits the road. Be Clear. Have clarity with both your recruiter and yourself. If you’ve got your heart set on Arizona for a winter assignment, don’t get talked into Alaska. If you know 36 hours/week is your limit, don’t commit to a 48 hour/week contract. 48 hours/week on your feet feels a lot different that 48 hours in front of Netflix; but it pays a heck of a lot better, and for some nurses this will be worth it! Knowing your limits and setting goals for work/life balance will make life easier and better for you, your recruiter, and your future teammates. Cover all of your bases: most importantly, home base. After a long day, you want to be sure you have a safe, quiet place to shut the door behind you. Furnished Finders, Airbnb, VRBO, and Tripping.com offer a variety of short-term housing options for nurses, though some nurses prefer extended stay hotels with the free breakfasts and daily housekeeping services. Consider the neighborhood. Is it noisy? If you are a night shifter, you’re not going to want a place next to an elementary school playground. On the other hand, day shifters might think twice about that super cool loft space above a nightclub. Most importantly, start your search early so you have a comfy place to curl up and watch The Bachelor after your first day on the job. Been thinking about embracing the travel nurse lifestyle? LiquidAgents Healthcare provides concierge-level service and support from experienced recruiters to help guide and ensure your success through the whole process. Lean more to the tech savvy side? StaffDNA allows you to manage your healthcare career using a 100% mobile self-service platform. You get complete control to find, book, and manage assignments yourself, from one app, with access to the highest pay packages available. Whichever way you choose, travel nursing has many benefits, and we hope these tips can help position you for success. Karla Theilen is a writer, storyteller, and Registered Nurse based out of Missoula, Montana. Her writing has been featured on NPR, STAT News, Life in a Strong Town, and select stories and essays have been anthologized. She has been Facebook-free since 1972.
7 Things Travel Nurses Can Expect at Indian Health Service Facilities
Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities provide free primary and preventive healthcare services to Native American Tribes and Alaska Natives, which is approximately 2.2 million people in the United States. IHS employs approximately 2,380 nurses, which is the highest number of healthcare professionals they staff. Typically located in remote areas, healthcare travelers play an critical role in keeping IHS facilities operating and bringing proper care to the tribal communities. “There are several unique factors that travelers should be prepared for when taking a contract at an IHS facility,” said Javier Llevada, Director of Client Advisory at LiquidAgents Healthcare, a leading travel healthcare staffing agency. “It’s a very different environment that every travel nurse should try to do at least once in their careers. They’re also first-time traveler friendly.” Here’s an overview of what travel nurses and allied healthcare professionals can expect at IHS facilities. Cultural Experience The culture at IHS facilities is very different from traditional hospital settings. Many staff are American Indian or Alaska Native (an estimated 71 percent). Tribes still practice many of their original customs and traditions. It can be a very enriching experience for travelers to learn the new cultures and philosophies. Some tribes also maintain their own language, so travelers could face language barriers and working with interpreters if needed. “The No. 1 thing to remember when considering an assignment at IHS facilities is to be open-minded and willing embrace the culture,” said Llevada. “It’s good to know that the IHS staff are really appreciative of travelers and want to help make the transition and lifestyle change as smooth as possible.” Housing There are typically three housing options for healthcare travelers at IHS facilities: onsite at the facility if provided; RV or hotel. Travelers need to be properly prepared and get guidance from their recruiter on the best housing options for your lifestyle. Higher Pay IHS facilities usually offer higher weekly pay packages to attract travelers to the remote locations. “With a typically lower cost of living in the area, travelers can maximize their pay and save more, especially if they select the facility’s provided-housing or RV living,” Llevada said. For example on the StaffDNA Job Board, Chinle, AZ has openings paying more than $2,000/week for ER, Pediatrics, OR and Labor & Delivery. Relationships with IHS Staff & Other Travelers In healthcare traveling, there are sometimes stories of staff nurses treating travelers differently or having tight knit cliques that make it difficult for travelers to fit it. That is not the case at IHS facilities. The permanent staff are so grateful for the help from travelers that they make sure to be very welcoming and express their appreciation. It’s not uncommon for the whole community to come together with a potluck meal to welcome travel nurses who are starting an assignment, or to bid them farewell when they leave. Travelers on assignment at the same time can also build strong friendships as their going through a similar experience together. For example, a group of LiquidAgents’ travelers on assignment at the same facility in the Navajo Nation went on an excursion together on their days off to the Canyon De Chelly. Compliance & Licensure Located on federally recognized tribal land,IHS facilities accept any active state license for Registered Nurses, which is great for travelers. If you’re waiting for a new state license to be processed (i.e. California can take up to 3 months), taking an assignment at an IHS facility can be a good option in the meantime. Compliance is also relatively simple to complete to get started. Skills With the higher pay and smaller community, travelers need to be aware that they’ll have to be self-sufficient and able to work more independently. IHS facilities have less support staff than full-sized hospitals, so Registered Nurses are expected to provide total patient care. Outdoor Adventures One of the most exciting parts of working at IHS facilities is the locations. Beautiful outdoors, state parks, mountains, canyons, hiking, kayaking, scenic views—there are endless places and activities to see and do. If you have worked an assignment at an IHS facility, share your experience in the comments below!
Travel Nurse Spotlight: Taking on New Adventures Across the Country
In the Travel Nurse Spotlight series, HCT Today is highlighting travelers’ own unique stories and perspectives. Working more than 40 hours a week with very little time for vacation or recreational activities, Renee B. and her husband, Gabe, were ready for a change. With 25 years of experience as a staff nurse, which includes 19 years in endoscopy, Renee looked into the healthcare traveler lifestyle and in 2018, her and her husband began a new exciting chapter in their lives. They were intrigued with the “tiny house, big living” phenomenon, which also happens to be a great, flexible housing option for travel nurses. In 2018, they “pulled the trigger, bought the RV, the truck, and started the downsize mission,” Renee said. And they were off! Renee started working with a few different travel nurse agencies and was happy to land her first travel RN assignment in Upstate New York. Renee shares what travel nursing has taught her so far. Renee’s Travel Nursing Tips Budgeting. As pay and cost of living varies from state to state, Renee recommends creating a weekly budget for each assignment so you know exactly what you can afford. Deal-breakers. Communicate any deal-breakers you have with your travel healthcare agency, whether it’s the type of shift, call duty, length of contract, location, etc. Recruiters. Renee highlights having and maintaining a good relationship with your recruiter. They are your main supporter and oftentimes become a friend. If you have unresolvable issues, ask for someone else. Networking. While travel nursing, you meet a lot of different people in various departments. Take advantage of those connections. You can gain tremendous insights about other units or hospitals by just asking others. Extending. Use extensions to your advantage. For example, Renee extended her first travel RN contract while she waited for her California license to process. She extended in California because she wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather before the summer heat. Patience vs. Perseverance. Traveling has so many moving parts and you’re constantly introduced to new things, experiences and people. Having a patient, open attitude always wins. “Remember to have fun, and know it’s only 13 weeks if you’re not having fun,” Renee added. “Personally, my stress level has decreased tremendously. I know that no matter what, the assignment is temporary, and I always put my best foot forward from the get-go.” Exploring Coast to Coast in a RV Florida-natives, Renee and Gabe love the traveler RV lifestyle and experiencing new cultures across the U.S. For every new location, she does thorough research for the best things to do and places to go, including The Food Channel’s Guy Fieri’s favorite places to eat. While on her first assignment in Albany, New York, they visited Lake George, Niagara Falls, Saratoga and of course, the Big Apple. “Traveling on the road has allowed us to see various treasures in the country’s landscape,” Renee said. “We’ve been able to live amongst the natives of each state and experience local cuisine, activities, history and climate. Every weekend and every day off is a potential getaway to explore historical landmarks and attractions.” Since traveling, Renee’s mindset has changed. She no longer prejudges a new area without seeing it for herself, which is how she has found many “diamonds in the rough” throughout her travels. Renee’s favorite travel RN assignment so far was in Bakersfield, California. “Not for the city but for its location,” she added. “We were able to do so much exploring in California including Winchester Mansion, Hearst Castle, San Francisco, Pismo Beach and Los Angeles.” Her and her husband also attended the popular TV game show, The Price is Right. Meeting new friends along the way and cultivating lasting relationships has also been a big part of traveling for Renee. Friendships lay the foundations for possible reassignments in the future or planning a fun visit to see each other. Currently, Renee is working in Dallas, Texas and is already booked for a new contract back in her home state of Florida at the end of the summer. Renee and Gabe eventually plan to move home in two years to spend more time with their grandchild and family, but for now they’re loving the flexibility and adventures of RV life across the country. In the Travel Nurse Spotlight series, HCT Today is highlighting travelers’ own unique stories and perspectives. Want to share your story? We’d love to hear from you.
6 Unique Nurse Jobs & Specialties With Travel Potential
One of the many perks of being a travel nurse is the frequent exposure to new environments and experiences. Sometimes that can also mean trying out unique nurse jobs or specialties that aren’t always on the hospital floor. If you’re looking to take your nursing career to new places, check out these six unique nurse jobs and specialties with travel potential that you may never have heard of before. Cruise Ship Nurse On an ocean cruise in the Bahamas, work is probably the last thing on your mind. But even on the open water, cruise ships need healthcare professionals to treat vacationers and crew members in the case of any emergencies, accidents or illnesses. In 2018 so far, the CDC reported nine vessels had illness outbreaks including norovirus and E. coli. Accidents are also very common onboard. Cruise ship nurses serve as first-responders on the ship for all medical issues, treat a wide-scope of patients and manage transportation of people to larger facilities if necessary. To provide proper care, ships such as Princess Cruises, have well-equipped medical centers that include critical care areas, X-ray units, lab facilities and a pharmacy. Cruise ship nurses get to see the world all while providing excellent care and enhancing their nursing skills. Similar to travel nursing, most cruise ship companies require nurses to have at least two years of experience, preferably in an acute-care or emergency setting. Potential cruise ship nurses are also required to earn a certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Average Annual Pay: $82,883 Theme Park Nurse Just like cruise ships, vacation theme parks like Six Flags and Disneyland need healthcare professionals onsite in case of emergencies. While typically there are not doctors in place, it’s the theme park nurses who assist guests and staff with various immediate medical needs and manage a large flow of patients. Having diverse experience in emergency room care or fast-paced urgent care clinics is highly recommended. This year, Disney World & Resorts launched a large primary care center on the grounds specifically to care for more than 40,000 employees and their families. Disney has current nurse openings at its parks in Florida, California and France. If you’re looking for a fun yet challenging workplace, theme park nursing could be one of the most unique and happiest places to be. Average Annual Pay: Varies By Location Certified Nurse-Midwife Are you passionate about caring for mothers and babies? Experienced in labor and delivery? A certified nurse midwife handles patient care and safety through the entire process – pregnancy, labor and postpartum. At-home midwife births are becoming more and more common, and the American College of Nurse-Midwives has seen an increased demand for midwives. Midwifery offers a variety of settings including private practices, universities, military hospitals, birth centers, large facilities or through an in-home agency. There are also great travel programs for midwives with nonprofit organizations and the World Health Organization. WHO specifically launched a strategic initiative to help strengthen midwife nursing around the world, focusing on poverty and disease-stricken communities. Becoming a travel nurse-midwife brings care to people who need it most. Average Annual Pay: $107,460 Forensic Nurse If you’re a fan of the long-time TV show “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, you may be familiar with this healthcare specialty. Forensic nurses treat patients who were victims of trauma, violence or abuse. Playing a role in both nursing and the judicial system, forensic nurses need to be knowledgeable of the legal system while providing the best care to those in vulnerable or dire positions. The International Association of Forensic Nurses offers a variety of travel opportunities—for example, a pediatric forensic nurse from Colorado participated on an 8-week assignment in Swaziland, Africa to provide care for children and rape victims. The caseload of forensic nurses can be emotionally draining and even disturbing at times, but they provide an important service for those who are suffering from the impact of violent incidents. Average Annual Pay: $50,000-60,000 Nurse Educator Looking for an exciting opportunity to give back to the next generation of nurses? Consider becoming a Travel Nurse Educator. Also known as clinical educators, these positions are crucial for teaching hospitals and universities to help future nurses or recent grads develop the skills they need. While working in either a classroom or a clinical setting, Nurse Educators design, evaluate, update and implement top nursing curriculums, and act as mentors. To become a Certified Nurse Educator, you must have a BSN, RN, Master’s/Doctorate Degree and pass the National League of Nursing exam. These effective nursing leaders must be driven, highly knowledgeable and attentive for their students to succeed. Average Annual Pay: $73,265 Public Health Nurse Public health nurses work outside of the hospital and focus on the health of people in their community. They evaluate health trends, issues and laws, and propose strategies to help keep the population healthy. Public health nursing can vary state to state and is expected to grow by 19 percent, according to the Nurse Journal. Working with a health agency or a government health department, public health nurses educate people about important preventative healthcare, treat patients in public health clinics, work with youth programs and community centers, and help with training. Tasks can include providing screening tests and immunizations, collecting data from disease outbreaks, responding to natural disasters and community-wide emergencies, assisting patients and families in psychosocial health, and so much more. Every day can be different as a public health nurse. Average Annual Pay: $56,700
5 Signs You Are Ready To Start A Travel Healthcare Career
It can be difficult to know when to start a travel healthcare career. Many would-be travelers can suffer from “analysis paralysis” thinking about all of the criteria they should meet before traveling. Should I wait until I have more experience? What if I end up somewhere I hate? Will I be able to support myself sufficiently? Do I have to become a wizard at finding a new place to live every few months? While those are all important questions, they are better left for after you decide to commit to a travel healthcare career. We’ve narrowed down five signs to look for when deciding to pursue a travel healthcare career. Signs You Are Ready To Start Your Travel Healthcare Career 1. You want to see new sights One of the most obvious benefits of being a healthcare traveler is right in the name. There are more than 30,000 active job posts on the StaffDNA boards at any given time that span the U.S. and cover a massive variety of locations. Looking to hit the ski slopes in the winter? Some facilities recruit for the winter as early as August. Want to find a nice small town with pretty trees for the fall? Take your pick of northeast states right off the Atlantic coast. One of the main factors stopping travelers from working where they want is having current state licenses, but even that is made easier because most agencies will pay your licensing fees. Additionally, nurses and physical therapists can get compact licenses which allows them to work in multiple states with only one license. Other healthcare professions are working towards implementing licensure compacts as well. 2. You want more control over your pay A traveler’s job flexibility also applies to their earning potential, not just location. The keyword to focus on here is “control,” because while it’s true travelers earn more on average than permanent staff, that doesn’t mean they always will. That’s why it’s important to think about your salary in terms of control—you can control what agencies you work with, the recruiters you work with and the jobs you pursue. Since the traveler job market is fast-moving and highly competitive, travel staffing agencies are constantly fighting tooth-and-nail to offer you the best pay package and solid benefits. 3. You want to build up your professional skillset quickly It’s easy to get stuck in a routine while working at the same facility every year. If you plan on traveling for more than a year, chances are you will work in a variety of different environments with unique challenges. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this constant job hopping can actually help you in the long run because it will show potential employers you are highly adaptable and can face unexpected problems with confidence. Traveling also means getting experience in multiple electronic medical (healthcare) record software platforms, as different hospitals will have their own systems. In a Black Book Research survey, 98 percent of travel nurses said fluency in multiple EMR platforms is a highly valued skill. Since facilities are constantly updating or implementing new EMR platforms, travelers with experience in multiple platforms can apply for EMR conversion contracts, which typically offer much higher pay rates than standard travel assignments. 4. You are sick of healthcare workplace “politics” Bad hospital management, interpersonal drama, pointless gossip, local union disputes—traveling gives you a chance to avoid almost all of the workplace “politics” that permanent staff have to deal with. Since you have the option to avoid toxic workplace relationships as a temporary staff member, that means you can focus more time on patient care and improving your skills. 5. You are ready for a challenge We’ve explained a lot of the benefits to traveling, but that doesn’t mean travelers get to just kick back and rake in money. Healthcare travelers have to be ready to face almost all of these challenges at any given time: Managing and frequently updating compliance documents Maintaining a tax home Managing relationships with multiple recruiters and agencies Applying for state licenses Multiple job interviews every year Calculating travel expenses Frequently looking for (and moving to) temporary housing Adjusting quickly to new work environments with limited orientation Planning on how to travel with friends, family or pets Loneliness or homesickness Constant on-the-job learning High expectations for job performance Avoiding workplace drama If this list of challenges seems daunting, that’s perfectly natural. Traveling has plenty of positive aspects, but it may not be for everyone. Some travelers find they love the challenge as it motivates them to work harder and improve their skills. The most important thing you can do after noticing the signs that you’re interested in traveling is to educate yourself. There are a variety of online resources—including this website—where you can find answers to any lingering questions you may have about being a healthcare traveler.
10 Things to bring on your first travel assignment
By Natalie Newman, Contributing Writer If you have the exciting opportunity to become a travel nurse, you might be scared or nervous. I was so nervous before my first travel assignment I hardly thought about what I really needed and I overpacked. Now after doing multiple travel assignments, I’ve figured out exactly what I need to enjoy the opportunity to its fullest. Here are some important things to bring with you to make your experience fun and stress-free. Journal You will likely forget many of the people you meet and adventures you have while traveling as a nurse. The time goes quickly. In order to preserve the memories, I write a daily paragraph in my journal about my experiences. I enjoy looking back and reliving the memories. Also, its enlightening to see how much I’ve grown as a person and have changed my mindset with each travel assignment. I notice that I have more fun when I have a positive attitude and zero expectations. TripAdvisor This website is a necessity before every travel assignment. Just type in the city you are going to and the top “things to do” will pop up. I scroll through all of them and jot down ones to try on my days off in my planner. Make sure to read the reviews first! Candles As nurses, we all know our olfactory senses affect our mood. Some places you will stay aren’t going to smell as lovely as the pictures look. Therefore, a nice burning soy organic candle with essential oils can make your home away from home instantly peaceful and calming. Sometimes I’ll stay in a really cheap place, but as long as I have my vanilla lavender candle, I feel like I’m at a spa. Black clothing Some of the best advice I received from other travel nurses was to travel light. Don’t get bogged down with a lot of stuff. Traveling light allows you to be free to make room for experiences. The best way to travel light and always have a stylish outfit is to have your basic clothes in black. Everything you bring should match for easy outfit options. Adding a colorful scarf enhances any basic black wardrobe. Large scarf I use a large scarf to cover sketchy pillowcases at Airbnb rentals, accessorize outfits, protect me from the sun, and keep me warm. I use this large scarf, folded up, as a pillow on a plane, and opened up, as a blanket at the movies. Basically, I never leave home without one. Something from home Let’s face it—being a travel nurse can be lonely at times. Bringing something from home, whether it’s a picture, a clothing item, a piece of jewelry, or a favorite pillow, can be very comforting. Anything to remind you of home or family is a must. Your favorite cooking pot Lots of rented cozy places that include a kitchen have used pots that are black and crusty. I found I enjoyed cooking more when I had at least one of my own cooking pots. Postcards Sending postcards has unfortunately become a lost art. To keep the art or postcard writing alive, I send them to loved ones on every travel assignment. I love to buy postcards from a local gift shop as a way share my experiences and for others to see the landmarks or landscapes of my travel stays. Nursing references MDpocket.com has small reference cards you can attach to your hospital badge. Also, you can order any type of quick medical reference cards on Amazon, specific for your unit and needs. When I was on a pediatric assignment, I ordered one card about pediatric vital signs and lab ranges because it had been so long since I studied pediatrics. It was a life-saver…literally! Apps. Here are some apps I found helpful during my travels: Google Translate for communication in any language Uber or Lyft for transportation needs Airbnb for unique housing experiences Yelp for the hottest food spots. Lastly, always bring a smile! Enjoying your time is what life is all about. Natalie’s Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NatalieNumie/