8 Mistakes That Rookie Travel Nurses Make While on the Job

8 Mistakes That Rookie Travel Nurses Make While on the Job

by | May 13, 2023 | Travel Nursing

8 Mistakes That Rookie Travel Nurses Make While on the Job

Working as a travel nurse is one of the best decisions you will ever make in your nursing career. Of course, just like any other newbies, you can’t wait till you are assigned to a different location.

While waiting for an assignment, it is best to read about the eight mistakes that rookie travel nurses make so you can avoid doing them in the future. Here’s what you need to know. 

Avoid These While Going Through Your Contract

#1. Skimming through your contract.

It is a big booboo on your part if you do not read your contract thoroughly. Your travel nurse contract is an essential part of your assignment, so any responsible nurse will carefully read through it before signing [1]. Skimming through your contract will place you in a situation that you might not like. 

Before signing, make sure to check for accuracy and completeness. Check also for the assignment, pay rate, dates, travel reimbursements, bonuses, time offs, and other special agreements that you may have.

Your agency should be able to answer all your concerns if needed. So, don’t just skim through it; read your contract well!

#2. Being unprepared for your assignment.

As nurses, we are trained to be ready at all times. We can even give boy scouts a run for their money if we talk about preparedness! It is a part of our nurse’s skills to be alert and ready for anything.

However, rookie travel nurses are too complacent about their assignments that they don’t bother preparing – a big mistake! They let their excitement get the best of them. Remember, you are traveling for work, not for fun.

Be in a work-mode mindset as you take on an assignment. While you can still see sights along the way or during your offs, you still have to be prepared to do your nursing duties. Avoid these mistakes that rookie travel nurses make, and you will save yourself from trouble.

Agencies will help you process everything you need – even your license entering a compact state. In short, you have all the help you need. All you have to do is show up on time and make sure that you make a good impression on your first day.

Always bring your supporting documents if your supervisor needs them – it will show how responsible you are for a rookie travel nurse!

#3. Bringing too much stuff with you.

The shortest duration of your assignment is around four to eight weeks, with the longest of thirteen weeks. There’s no need to bring too much stuff with you.

Bring only the essentials, and make sure you have enough to reuse. If you are assigned to a different state during winter, bring clothes suitable for the weather. Other than that, leave the ones you don’t need during this assignment. Besides, the weeks will fly by, and the next thing you know, you are off to another location again. 

Take note also of the place you are staying. Is it furnished or not? See what is included in your accommodation. This way, you can decide whether to bring other items along or not. 

#4. Not asking questions.

As a travel nurse, you will always be the “new kid” in town. And as much as you want to do your job and go, it is not always the case. Whenever you are assigned to a new facility, be sure to ask the right questions.

You need to learn where things are, who you need to call for emergencies, what practices are done, or protocols to follow. Asking these questions will help your survival on each shift. 

Be sure to make new friends too. Sure, you are the extra hand, but it won’t hurt if you greet people and be friendly. After all, you work in the same facility. Besides, having new friends broadens your network.

So, do not hesitate to be nice to everyone you meet along the way. You will need guidance and help as you go. 

#5. Acting like you are not part of the team.

Sure, you may be a temporary nurse extending help, but that does not mean you should also exclude yourself from others. Staff nurses will expect you to do your best. Showing up on time and doing your duties are essential, but you are not hired to work there to separate yourself. 

Try to be a part of the team, be nice to people, be prepared, and do your part. If you work like you are part of the team, your coworkers will treat you the same. Don’t be a total stranger. 

#6. Acting like you know it all.

Another mistake that rookie travel nurses make is acting like they don’t need help from anyone. Being a know-it-all is something you should avoid. Sure, you have the skills and knowledge, but ignoring protocols and not following the standard procedures in the facility you are working in is a huge mistake. 

Take time to listen and learn from your coworkers. It does not matter how long you have been a travel nurse or new to the job. Being open to suggestions and learning the trade is vital if you want to keep your job.

Learning new skills will only strengthen your ability as a nurse. Once you have shown that you are valuable to the team, you might find your coworkers asking for your input. 

#7. Joining the hospital drama.

One mistake that rookie travel nurses make is by joining hospital politics during their brief stay [2]. As a result, they found themselves tangled in the drama that they could’ve avoided in the first place. 

As tempting as juicy gossip can be, avoid engaging in it. Remember, you are only working in this facility for a few weeks. It is always better to build strong relationships than to be part of the gossip crew.

Besides, you don’t know the people involved or the whole story, so why bother becoming a part of it? So, do what you came to do, avoid gossiping, and focus on your patient care. You will be appreciated more!

#8. Working hard or hardly working.

Last but not least, one of the mistakes that rookie travel nurses make is working too much or too little. As a nurse, your work is a priority, but you can become a workaholic when you work too much and don’t pause to breathe.

So find time to balance work and recreation. One of the reasons you became a travel nurse is to see other places, so do it! Take a look at your schedule and plan an activity for the day.

While you are assigned a job, why not take the opportunity to see places? Knowing when to work and have fun has its perks. Besides, after a long day of serving patients, a breather sounds about right. Enjoy the moments while you can! 

Find Balance on Your First Job

Becoming a travel nurse is exciting, primarily if you are assigned to a place that you haven’t been to before. But as you do, find balance in your work and play. Be mindful of your ways, be presentable, arrive on time, and leave work at work.

Over time, you will enjoy each assignment, and you don’t have to make the same mistakes rookie travel nurses make! Being a nurse is a rewarding job, and for you to deliver quality care, you must also take care of yourself.

Hopefully, this list cleared it out for you. Best of luck! 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

 

5 House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses

5 House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses

by | Apr 8, 2023 | Travel Nursing

5 House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses

One of the essential things to secure as a travel nurse is your accommodation or housing. Whether you are a seasoned travel nurse or just starting on your first assignment, you must settle in a place that is already furnished.

It will lessen your worries about where to sleep, cook or take a shower after shifts. It would be best to secure a place to stay during the duration of your work, and these house-hunting tips for travel nurses are the answer.

House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses 101

Looking for suitable accommodation, apartment, room, or housing during your assignment as a travel nurse can be stressful. But the question is, would you prefer to look for accommodation and receive a stipend?

Or let the agency take care of it, so you don’t have to worry? Are you bringing your pets along? – indeed, looking for a house or apartment to accommodate all your needs as a travel nurse is challenging. But don’t worry; these tips can help you with that. 

 

Tip #1. Beware of “Too Good to be True” Offers

There are plenty of places to look for housing as a travel nurse, but you must be wary of where you are looking. One of the most common places to look for is Craigslist.

No doubt about it, there are many good sources of for-rent units on this website, and there are also bad ones. How can you distinguish the difference? If the offer is too good, too cheap, and almost impossible to believe in, then you might skip that one because it could be a scam.

A good source will always have positive feedback and reasonable prices. If you find one that offers you cheap accommodation in a well-off location, then there is a chance that you are being baited for a scam. 

 

Tip #2. Look at ALL options.

You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to housing and accommodation. However, it will also depend on your preference. It would be best if you checked out all your options first before deciding which one to pursue. 

Option A is staying at hotels. Plenty of hotels or motels offer long-term stays for 30 days, perfect for travel nurses like you. Low night rates and tax breaks are also provided if you book an extended stay. If this is the option you would like to take, be sure to call the hotel manager ahead to make arrangements. 

Option B, on the other hand, is staying on Airbnb locations. These are usually popular choices for many travel nurses and travelers alike. Not only do you get to pick the spot of the Airbnb, but you can also view the kind of bedrooms you will be using.

As someone who travels for work, you may need one bedroom (if you are working alone) or something small for your convenience. You can also choose to live close to the facility you are working or downtown, where you can enjoy the sites and do exciting things after your shift. 

Whatever option you choose, make sure that the accommodation you pick suits all your needs. 

 

Tip #3. Find a Roommate or Work with One. 

Another good tip for house hunting as a travel nurse is to find a roommate with whom you can share the rent and save expenses. It could be a fellow travel nurse you are assigned with or a traveler staying in the accommodation for the long-term [1]. 

When choosing a location for work, check if you have relatives or friends living nearby. While having accommodation is excellent, you can also live with family or friends living near the facility you are working as a travel nurse.

Of course, IF and only IF you are allowed to live with them. If not, choosing to have a place of your own is always a good idea.

Besides, you don’t want to disturb anyone, especially if you are assigned to night shifts. 

 

Tip #4. Do Some Research Before Accepting a Job Offer.

As a travel nurse, you are often looking forward to your next assignment. However, it would be best if you also do your research before accepting any job [2]. 

First, understand what benefits you can get if the agency finds accommodation for you. Many travel nurses utilize this option when it comes to housing needs.

One of the benefits of this is that agencies can find you a suitable place to stay, especially if the work location does not have a lot of options to choose from. It also saves you time and energy looking for a place to stay. Using the ones provided by your agency is more practical. 

You must also understand what furnished means when it comes to finding a place to stay. When we say that the home is “furnished,” it means that it already has the amenities you need for the duration of your stay.

This type of accommodation is helpful for travel nurses who do not like to bring furniture or housing necessities when traveling. Of course, every location to go to is different, and when they say furnished, the things included could be a dresser, dining table, couch, or chairs.

Keep in mind that washers/dryers, microwaves, iron, and others are not always included. It would be best to visit the place or talk to the manager about what you would like to be included in your accommodation before you stay there.

Otherwise, you will bring some necessities with you. 

 

Tip #5. Pet-friendly Housing is a Must. 

Some travel nurses love to travel with their dogs or cats. If you have a pet and would like to bring them along, be sure to remember this house-hunting tip for travel nurses – check if the accommodation allows pets. 

If you want your agency to find you a place to stay, be upfront about bringing your pet/s with you.

It would make your life easier, but if you are looking for a place to stay, calling and personally asking if pets are allowed in your housing is a must. 

 

These House Hunting Tips for Travel Nurses are Practical

Finding a suitable place to stay during your assignment as a travel nurse can be stressful, but if you want to save yourself from this predicament, it would be best to use your agency and let them find one for you.

Of course, extra stipends are helpful, but be practical if you are stressed about looking for accommodations. 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

Why You Should Consider Becoming a Travel Nurse

Why You Should Consider Becoming a Travel Nurse

by | Mar 18, 2023 | Travel Nursing

Why You Should Consider Becoming a Travel Nurse

Being a travel nurse is not for everyone. This is one of the only areas in healthcare where you can simultaneously travel and work around the US.

If you have doubts about becoming a travel nurse, here are the reasons why you should consider becoming a travel nurse in the future. 

1. There is career growth.

One main reason some nurses enjoy being travel nurses is the career opportunities. When you travel to different medical facilities, there is always a chance to meet other healthcare professionals.

It allows you to build your network and learn new skills while on the job. Creating connections as references for future work is excellent when you are a travel nurse.

Also, working in different locations shows how adaptable you are to change, and there is a chance you can land a permanent position. 

 

2. The schedule is flexible.

As a travel nurse, you will work for short-term employment. It means you get hired to work within a specific timeframe. Because of this setup, you can choose the days for your vacation and work.

You have time to do other things or focus on yourself and rest. This kind of freedom is not something you see in other jobs, so if this is not a good reason to become a travel nurse, I don’t know what is. 

 

3. You have higher pay. 

By standards, travel nurses earn around $25 to $40 per hour more than staff nurses [1]. However, since most hospitals are short-staffed, travel nurses are in high demand.

You can expect higher offers and more opportunities to work overtime with shift differentials each time you get hired.

Sign-on bonuses and contract renewal incentives further increase your income.. 

 

4. There are fewer workplace politics. 

It is not uncommon for a workplace to have some drama. When you work in a permanent hospital setting, tensions can arise. It can cause conflicts and arguments among staff nurses. However, if you are a travel nurse, you can avoid these situations.

You don’t need to be involved in whatever drama happens in your work setting.

All you have to do is go to work and fulfill your duties as a nurse. You can focus on your position and provide better care for your patients. 

 

5. There is a chance to live your dreams. 

Becoming a travel nurse gives you a chance to live out your best life. If you are into adventures, meeting people, and going to different places, this is the perfect job.

You can choose the location for your next assignment, which means you can have time to do whatever you want.

Whether hiking or checking local brunch spots, it is good to know that you are not so tied down with a staff job. 

 

6. They have reimbursements.

As a healthcare professional traveling to work can seem expensive. However, plenty of travel nurse agencies can reimburse you for your expenses on gas, scrubs, and other things you need for traveling.

They can arrange everything for you; even better, some agencies allow you to bring your spouse or beloved pets. 

 

Your Takeaway

The outlook for travel nurses has never been better. As the pandemic continues to roll, more and more nurses are needed across the country. If you are a registered nurse looking for something more, becoming a travel nurse is an excellent opportunity.

With the increasing demands and higher pay, this could be an opportunity of a lifetime. Send us an email or reach out on social media, and we can help you get started. 

We hope that you find this post enlightening; good luck out there!

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

 

Things to Know About Being a Crisis Travel Nurse

Things to Know About Being a Crisis Travel Nurse

by | Dec 10, 2022 | Travel Nursing

Things to Know About Being a Crisis Travel Nurse

Being a crisis travel nurse has its perks, but it comes with real responsibilities too. One of these responsibilities is when you respond to a crisis.

As a crisis travel nurse, you must assist wherever this crisis calls you. If you are interested in working as a travel nurse, it is best to understand what you are getting into and how it can help you as a travel nurse. 

 

Things to Know About Being a Crisis Travel Nurse

As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to go to different parts of the country and offer assistance. That said, it is also one of your jobs to answer in times of crisis.

A crisis contract is crucial to get things started. But what do you need to be qualified as a crisis travel nurse? Here’s what you need to know. 

There are no additional requirements for travel nurses with crisis contracts. However, you are most likely able to qualify further if you have the following RN certifications:

  • Certification in Critical Care Nurse
  • Certified Emergency Nurse
  • Certification in Pediatric Nurse

To become certified in these departments, you must have an Associate’s Degree, BSN or MSN. Higher degrees are even better.

You must also have experience working in Cardia Care units, Surgical ICUs, ICUs, trauma units, transport, and flight operations, specializing in emergency or life-threatening conditions [1]. 

 

Differences

Every job has a contract to follow, and a crisis contract is no different. However, there are a few differences that you should know. They are as follows:

The crisis assignment of travel nurses often comes without warning. An event can happen anytime, like a natural disaster. The pandemic is one example of a crisis that went without any notice.

Often, a crisis assignment is face-paced and involves high-stress levels. The duration of your job will also depend on how long the crisis is at hand. While the pay is higher for crisis travel nurses, it can be demanding.

 

Benefits of Being a Crisis Travel Nurse

The crisis assignment of travel nurses often comes without warning. An event can happen anytime, like a natural disaster. The pandemic is one example of a crisis that went without any notice.

Often, a crisis assignment is face-paced and involves high-stress levels. The duration of your job will also depend on how long the crisis is at hand. While the pay is higher for crisis travel nurses, it can be demanding. 

As a crisis travel nurse, there are benefits when you accept the job. One of them is the benefit of a high paid salary. Because of the demands, you can receive 10-100% more than regular nursing staff jobs [2]. 

You also get to obtain housing, food, and incidental allowances, as well as bonuses for extra shifts. There are also additional shift incentives, primarily if you work night duty or when the health care facility is short-staffed.  

While this sounds good, there are also some downsides to being a crisis travel nurse. For one, you don’t know how long your contract will last or if it will be dropped at the last minute.

It can also be an inconvenience because a crisis is not planned. The work is also demanding and often involves critical situations. So, you don’t know what you are in for. 

 

Before Agreeing to Be a Crisis Travel Nurse

Before agreeing on the job and taking on the risks, remember these three things before signing your contract. 

Always consider the location – before you agree on the job, always consider the place of your assignment first. Take the pandemic, for example; some states have higher Covid-19 cases than others. It is also essential to do your research before signing up for the job. 

Follow safety protocols – taking a crisis travel nurse job always involves risks. It is also why the pay is higher compared to other nursing jobs. If you are deployed for a job during this pandemic, wearing the proper PPE while at work, wearing face masks, and social distancing are vital.

Of course, each crisis differs, so it is best to observe safety protocols. 

Consider the pay – crisis travel nurses are paid higher than usual because of the risks involved. However, be on the lookout for agencies that offer ridiculous salary amounts.

Often, these contracts are cut off short because of budget reasons. It is also why you should consider contracts with reasonable pay to avoid losing them. 

 

Being a Crisis Travel Nurse Today is Vital

If you are already a travel nurse, you don’t need many requirements to work in this field. However, working with a good travel nursing agency is a must to set you up with the right job.

Your recruiter can help guide you and provide insight on your next crisis travel nursing assignment. Make sure to work only with the best.

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

10 Reasons Why You Should Be a Travel Nurse Today

10 Reasons Why You Should Be a Travel Nurse Today

by | Nov 12, 2022 | Travel Nursing

10 Reasons Why You Should Be a Travel Nurse Today

Of all the nursing career paths to choose from, travel nursing is perhaps the most flexible one of them all.

This post will talk about the different reasons why you should be a travel nurse today. Read on for more.

 

10 Reasons to Be a Travel Nurse

If you consider a different area of nursing to work in, a travel nurse is an excellent choice.

Do you love traveling? How about exploring various locations? Perhaps you want a broader network in terms of work?

If you answered yes, this job is the right one for you. Here are fifteen of the best reasons to become one. 

 

1. You get to travel around the country.

One of the main reasons many nurses sign up for this job is the job title itself, TRAVEL NURSE. It means you can go across the country (or world) for it.

Now, if this sounds exciting, go ahead and find an agency that can help you get an assignment. 

 

2. Advancement in your career.

Like any other nursing career, there is also career growth in travel nursing. Of course, you get to grow this job at your own pace.

With your experience as a travel nurse, many medical staffing agencies can help find you a job that matches your skills and specialty.

So, don’t worry about not getting a job, as there will always be one open for you.  

 

3. You get to enjoy the location of work.

One of the best things about this job is that you get to enjoy the location before saying you are done with it. A typical travel nursing assignment can last around three weeks to 3 months.

If you enjoyed working in the health care facility you are assigned to, it feels more like a vacation than work. Not a lot of job has the same opportunity. 

 

4. There is job security in travel nursing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an estimated job increase of 16% until 2024 in the travel nursing department over the next few years.

That means your job is safe and secure even in the coming years. 

 

5. Contracts are flexible.

One of the reasons you should become a travel nurse is that the contracts are flexible. It means you are not stuck on one long contract as most assignments are short-term.

That said, you avoid experiencing nurse burnout as you don’t have to deal with work-related stress all the time. 

 

6. Sign-up bonus.

Travel nurse agencies offer sign-up bonuses to nurses who want to become travel nurses. If you are looking for extra income while working, this could be an excellent opportunity to grab. 

 

7. You get low-cost or free housing. 

When you sign up as a travel nurse, your agency will offer stipends for your housing needs. Some agencies will even cover the housing expenses for their travel nurses, so you don’t have to worry about where to stay on your next assignment [1]. 

What’s even better is that you will live with other travel nurses or live close to them when you are assigned to a new location. There’s never a dull moment when you work this job.

 

8. Pay is great.

As travel nurses, your work is not full-placement; this means you get to enjoy a high salary. A travel nurse’s salary is 33% higher than the average staff nurse’s.

The average income for travel nurses is $75,330 to $108,000 per year [2]. And if this sounds like a good deal for you, you better sign up as one soon! 

 

9. Paid health insurance

Since you are traveling for work, travel nurses can rest with the thought that your health insurance is paid.

Many medical health agencies pay their travel nurses’ insurance before sending them out. It saves you time and effort securing one. 

 

10. Traveling is paid.

You don’t have to worry about your next assignment or what to pay for. Many travel nurse agencies secure that their nurses are not only paid for work but also for traveling.

You can be in Hawaii for summer before you know it, given that you have an assignment there, of course! 

Bonus points as travel nurses:

  • You can save enough money for your retirement.
  • Your network expands as travel nurses can work with different people in the medical field. The more contacts you have, the more exciting opportunities await you. 
  • Getting a multi-license is possible. Since you work in different states, you will need licenses too. Your travel nurse agency can help you acquire these licenses to get you going for work. 
  • As you move around for work, there is always a chance for continued education. You never stop learning as a nurse; this line of work perfectly fits you. 
  • Some travel nurse companies offer referral bonuses to nurses who can refer others to sign up for them, and if your agency provides the same, then lucky you!

Working as a travel nurse is exciting and perfect for those who want to earn more.

Hopefully, the list above convinced you enough why you should become a travel nurse today. Good luck!

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!