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New travel nursing assignments can be exciting – new restaurants to try, new adventures to experience, and new people to meet. But the apartment you rent is your haven from the stressful job and a safe place to land after all your fun.
But what if something happens to your stuff – a fire in the building, a burglar, or a tornado? Does your landlord’s insurance cover all this?
The answer is no. A landlord’s insurance covers repairing the building and the structure – not replacing your belongings.
If something bad does happen, could you afford to replace everything on your own?
Fortunately, there are insurance policies that protect your stuff, even when you’re on assignment and living in a rental or agency-provided housing.
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Even though many landlords require it, the sad fact is so many people don’t buy renters insurance even though it’s fairly inexpensive. In fact, in 2023, policygenius.com found that 93 percent of homeowners had homeowner’s insurance while only 57 percent of renters said they had renter’s insurance.
Yes, says Lynne McChristian, communications consultant at III. Homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for both your structure and the contents of your personal home. Renters insurance provides protection for contents only. In both types of coverage, your possessions are covered no matter where they are.
“This is known as off-premises coverage. So, when you travel, whether for work or please, your personal possessions are covered when you have an insurance policy on your permanent residence,” McChristian explains.
It is always a smart idea to read your insurance contract to understand how it works before you need it.
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The cost of renters insurance depends on how much you buy, and you decide on the amount by figuring out how much it would cost to replace your personal belongings, says McChristian. Coverage typically ranges from $15-$20 a month for around $30,000 worth of protection, with a deductible of $500 to $1,000.
Most insurance plans, even for car insurance, have deductibles. This is the cost you are responsible for if something has to be replaced or fixed. So, if a tornado destroys $10,000 of your stuff in your rental apartment and you have a $1,000 deductible, your insurance company will cover all $10,000 of stuff, but you have to pay the first $1,000. The III states that in general, the larger your deductible, the lower your insurance premium. But don’t pick a really high deductible if you won’t be able to cover it yourself.
Is it possible to get temporary rental insurance for your new place while traveling, and who actually sells it?
Yes, McChristian adds. “You can purchase a short-term renters policy if you do not already have this coverage. The first place to check is with the insurer who provides your automobile insurance, as you may get a better deal with a packaged policy.”
Do credit cards cover me while traveling?
Credit cards are great for racking up rewards while traveling, and we even offer travel nursing credit cards. However, those that cover traveling often only provide coverage for you and your belongings WHILE traveling. For example, lost luggage or trip cancellation.
Wherever you travel as a nurse, you will be heading into Mother Nature’s hands. But renter’s insurance will not cover floods unless you get flood coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program and a few private insurers. You can also get a separate policy for earthquake insurance or have it added as an endorsement to your renter’s policy, depending on the location you are traveling to. The usual things covered include fire, smoke, lightning, vandalism, tornado, theft, explosion, windstorm, and certain types of water damage like a pipe burst with your renter’s insurance.
The III website says that your renter’s policy will insure you against coverage for personal possessions, liability protection and additional living expenses.
Personal possessions – You can buy two types of renter’s insurance for your nursing travels. Replacement cost coverage is a little more expensive than an actual cash value policy because it will actually pay for the cost to replace items such as your television, furniture and clothing. The actual cash value includes a deduction for depreciation as items lose value over time.
Liability – This helps you from allegations of negligence for injuries or property damage. Let’s say you have a wine-tasting party at your apartment and someone slips on your steps. They need to be rushed to the hospital. You could be held financially liable to pay for their medical bills. Plus, the policy also would pay for your legal defense if it came to a legal situation. McChristian says a renter’s policy often includes a no-fault medical coverage as part of the liability protection. This means if someone is injured inside your apartment while you are a new destination, he or she can send medical bills directly to your insurer.
Additional living expenses – We’ve all watched the television news when an entire apartment building is damaged by fire. Where do you go and how do you pay for it? Renter’s insurance will pay for your hotel bills or temporary rental, your restaurant meals, clothing and other essentials to get your life back to a resemblance of normalcy.
First, research all the companies out there that offer renter’s insurance. You can find a local insurance agent or a company online, and then compare quotes. You should also reach out to any companies that you already have insurance with (homeowner’s, car insurance, etc.) You’ll answer a few questions, and voila, you have a policy. Overall, it’s a fairly easy and affordable type of insurance to get.
Your Aunt Clara left you a ruby and diamond ring valued at $4,000. You take it everywhere that you travel. Is it covered on your renter’s insurance? Most likely not unless you get a separate policy called a floater that will cover if it is lost or stolen. Sometimes, you also need an appraisal on items such as expensive jewelry or a collection of rare books or sports memorabilia.
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If you are new to being a travel nurse, it might seem a little overwhelming with so many things to choose, research, and take care of before going on your journey.
We spoke with three travel nurses — Ellie Kanter, Michele Fitzgerald and Mario Mucurio — to get some tips to help first-time travel nurses get a great head start.
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The transition for new travelers can be a big one.
“I’ve moved around so much with my parents in the military and then with myself that I really don’t mind the move like other people do,” says Kanter.
She understands that it can be quite a process for first-time travelers to store a bulk of their belongings or sell them or give them away to charity.
She also knows that not everything will go perfectly at every assignment that you end up taking but with the right preparation and a positive attitude, it can be a wonderful way to travel and to further your nursing career.
Travel is not for everyone, and some jump in without enough thought or planning, explains Mucurio.
Ask yourself a lot of questions upfront:
Your reasons for becoming a travel nurse may change through the years, but doing an inventory every so often can help ensure you are set up for success long term.
Some travel nurse agencies are known for high pay, some for having the most openings, some for going the extra mile in all situations, and a few are a combination of the previous three, Mucurio adds.
When identifying a recruiter within an agency, it’s best to find one that fits your personality and what you are looking for. Do you want weekly check-ins? Do you want someone you can call with problems just like a friend?
Make sure during your interview to clarify if weekends, evenings, or on-call are expected, says Fitzgerald, who has been traveling for two years in Arizona and California.
Arrive a day or two early, ahead of your first day, and learn all about the new location, especially the areas immediately around the hospital.
Kanter explains that every time she is about to start a new job, she always stays one night in a hotel and makes appointments to see a few rental places before committing.
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There are tons of social media groups, travel nursing sites, and experienced travelers to bounce all your questions off, says Mucurio.
“You need to understand how the process works to make truly informed decisions. Travel nursing is hard enough, so having a solid grasp of things can give you peace of mind and not compound an already difficult career,“ he adds.
It’s all about flexibility, Mucurio says. This is the number one reason some RNs have a limited amount of job choices.
“The more flexible you are the more likely you will be to not only find a contract but continue to stay gainfully employed with minimal time off,” he says.
Understand shift, location, and pay rate requirements all factor into the number of jobs that may be available to you.
For example, an ICU RN that only does days, within 10 miles of Dallas, TX, and needs $1900 weekly take home will have a much harder time locating contracts than an ICU RN willing to work any shift, in any compact state, and needs $1600 take home.
If you keep an open mind, you’ll have more travel nurse assignments to choose from.
Kanter always rents near the hospital when she takes a new assignment.
“If something happened to my car, I could at least walk or Uber to the hospital and not call off,” she says.
Fitzgerald always packs her passport, electronic copies of nursing licenses and certifications, and things such as pens, comfortable shoes, a lock for her locker at the job, and phone chargers.
For her dog that travels with her, she packs treats, a comfy bed, and vaccination records.
It’s good to have two accounts so you can keep track of expenses and also put everything you can on a credit card for later tracking or reimbursement, Kanter explains. But only do this if you’re ready to pay the balance off monthly and stay out of debt.
We even have credit cards for travel nurses to help you earn points with all your travels while also showing off your nurse hero-status.
Getting started as a travel nurse is a big change but it’s one that comes with lots of rewards: new adventures, new friends, a new city.
So don’t be afraid. With a little preparation, you can make your transition from staff nurse to your first travel nursing assignment smooth and easy.
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Being a travel nurse can be rewarding on multiple levels — career advancement, great pay, and the ability to explore the country. But, it’s not as straightforward as becoming a staff nurse. There are inherent differences and challenges that you may not be aware of.
To help you navigate the world of travel nursing, we sought out advice from a travel nurse staffing professional. Mike Wilder is a senior career consultant and team lead for Medical Solutions in Omaha, Nebraska. He’s been working with travel nurses and finding them placements for over eight years.
“In our line of work, no one candidate is the same. I talk to people from all walks of life — from those who just graduated nursing school to those with 20 years experience,” he says.
His biggest piece of advice to nurses of every age, gender, and speciality is to simply keep an open mind. It’s how you get the most out of your experience, he says.
Here are some of this other tips for those interested in travel nursing:
There are a lot of requests for assignments in Hawaii, but there are far less jobs available than other beach communities. Georgia, the Carolinas, and even Texas have some wonderful beaches, so make sure you consider those too.
Like Hawaii, California is also high on the list of placement requests, especially in the winter. But competition isn’t the only thing that might make you reconsider the Golden State for your next travel nursing assignment. “There are a lot of jobs there because of a nursing shortage, and their pay rates are the highest. But the state is notorious for taking three months for an application by endorsement to go through,” Wilder says.
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“It’s a disservice to paint yourself into being a certain type of nurse — such as one who only wants to work at a big university hospital,” he adds. “The more flexible you are, the more experience you’ll get.” So much of being a travel nurse is having a sense of adventure. Explore the opportunities that you’ll find in settings you normally wouldn’t experience otherwise. You may be surprised to discover how much you like working with children or how rewarding the ICU is.
“There are 28 states that share a nursing compact — meaning there is reciprocity that each state accepts the nurse’s license from those other states,” Wilder says. That can make the transition from nurse to traveling nurse quite fast.
However, other states have their own rules and may require you to submit an application by endorsement or pay a fee before being verified to practice in that state. For example, California, where many nurses want an assignment, is not part of the nursing compact and has an application process separate from other compact states.
Read more: Current Nursing Compact States
Also, you’ll need to get fingerprinted and wait for a background check. Some states can issue the endorsement in 7-10 days, while others take two to three months. On average, the cost for the application is $100-$250.
It can take as little as two weeks to get a nurse ready for their new job once they decide on an assignment. But, depending on other factors like how complicated the application process, you may have more downtime than expected between assignments.
On average, most traveling nurse contracts are three months. Though, some hospitals offer longer or shorter contracts dependent on needs — many have 8-week contracts to fill for maternity leave coverage.
If a nurse finds that what was promised in the contract isn’t coming to fruition at the hospital, they can contact the clinical team at their staffing agency who will step in to help with the problem. Most agencies are also flexible if there is a sickness or death that may require you to terminate your contract early.
Speak with a staffing agent who can help you understand everything you need to know.
The agency which placed you is usually the one paying you. The hospital doesn’t pay for any insurance or payroll taxes. All billing goes through the travel company.
“Everything is taken care of by us,” Wilder explains. “We even cover liability insurance.”
Every travel nurse staffing company has different offers. Most offer non-taxable housing stipends and mileage reimbursement. Some companies such as Medical Solutions reimburse for any continuing education and certification expenses, and license renewals while being a travel nurse.
The staffing agency knows all the best and safe housing options available in the places they send travel nurses. But if nurses decide to find their own housing, they can still use the travel companies’ housing departments to find locations that are convenient and in good neighborhoods.
“If the travel nurse takes housing through us, we have a very experienced housing department that finds the best housing in safe communities with a short commute to the hospital,” Wilder says.
Don’t close yourself off from those you are working with. “Try to bring the community of traveling nurses together, and explore the area as much as possible,” he says. “Most nurse work three 12-hour shifts, so that affords you time to explore the area. Don’t just immerse yourself in the job.”
Wilder says it’s all about staying adaptable, being outgoing, having fun, and learning from the experience.
“Sometimes, travel nurses settle into where their assignment is and love the area. And the hospital feels the same way about them. They decide to keep the travel nurse on indefinitely. That has happened,” he says.
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“Being away from friends and family during the holidays is something most nurses knowingly accept when they begin adventures in travel nursing,” says Josh Paul — a travel nurse for the last four years through Premier Medical Staffing.
“However, I don’t think this makes it any easier being away for the holidays,” he explains. “It can be lonely, and you miss traditions with family members.”
But, even if you’re not close to home, you can still make the most out of your holiday. Here are a few suggestions for surviving the holidays as a travel nurse — from fellow travel nurses who have already survived a holiday far from home.
Chances are there are other travel nurses at your hospital that are in the same situation. Arranging celebrations, even small ones, with your work family can help lessen the loneliness of being away from your actual family.
Travel nurse, Jason Hageman, already knows he’s working Christmas Day away from family and friends. “I find the support amongst travelers is amazing because we take solace in knowing we are in the same boat.”
Some ideas for celebrating together:
One of the hardest things about be not being home for the holidays is missing out on the traditions that you look forward to every year. For some, keeping up those traditions can help you still feel connected.
Decorate your home away from home. Paul suggests getting a small tree, lights, and a few ornaments. “This little touch can really bring the feeling of the holidays to you.” Nicole Roost, a talent acquisition manager at Premier Medical Staffing, told us that she knew a travel nurse that would go to a dollar store with $20 to get decorations and a mini tree and then after the holiday, she donates those decorations to a local charity. “This brings her joy twice,” says Roost.
Stay connected to family. While it’s easy to stay connected with social media, that may not quite do the trick when you’re feeling the tinge of homesickness. Paul suggests using Facetime to connect and catch up with loved ones. “It will feel like you’re right there enjoying the holidays with your family.” The hugs might be virtual, but you can still enjoy opening presents and catching up with your Aunt Sue.
Pick your favorite tradition. Whether it’s watching It’s a Wonderful Life, listening to a particular holiday album, or sampling Grandma’s famous holiday confection, recreating your favorite holiday tradition may be just what you need to feel connected to home. (Now, all you need is to convince Grandma to give up her recipe.)
Taking advantage of being in a new place can put a positive spin on spending the holidays away from home. And, if focusing on the holidays is too much for you, then it can also be a great way to distract you.
Volunteer at a local charity. In addition to doing good for people or animals, volunteering can be a wonderful way to connect with new people. “There is nothing more rewarding than volunteering at a soup kitchen to help the less fortunate. I also find it interesting to learn about people’s history and what life has brought them,” says Paul.
Find nearby holiday events. Hageman tries to find local holiday events that help him get in the spirit. This season he attended a special event called the Festival of Trees promoted by his hospital in Tacoma, Washington. Look up your city’s tourism and visitor website for information or grab a local neighborhood newspaper for events near you.
Search for others in your area. Groups like MeetUp are a great resource to find people and events that align with your hobbies or interests as well as searching events through social media apps.
No matter which way you decide to celebrate your holiday away from home, remember to embrace your travel nursing adventure!
The thrill of becoming a traveling nurse might come to a complete stop when you think about all the stuff you need to store, get rid of or throw away. The amount of work that is in your future all depends on whether or not you are keeping your permanent home or end your lease or sell the house.
“Honestly, a lot of my travelers keep their current home when they travel,” says Melissa Pryor, national healthcare recruiter at Sunbelt Staffing.
When you’re traveling and you have dual expenses, you’re eligible for “Tax-Free Money/Stipends,” she says.
“For those who don’t keep duplicate housing, I suggest keeping some personal belongings with a friend or family member during your travels. If they have a lot of furniture and larger items, you can look for a storage unit,” she adds.
According to lifestorage.com, the average price of a standard 10′ x 10′ storage unit in the U.S. in 2018 is $111.89, and the average for a climate controlled unit comes in at $133.01.
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“When nurses travel, they get paid more than staff nurses,” Pryor says. “I suggest to some of my travelers to look into travel nurse groups online and possibly rent out their apartment or house when they’re traveling.
There’s a ton of nurses traveling, so they could potentially help out a fellow nurse and rent their current home when they’re on assignment.”
If your parents have a free basement or closets, that could be your first answer. But Pryor has seen that most nurses keep their stuff in their current home.
For those nurses who rent out their own home when they’re traveling, she encourages them to get a lock for a closet and keep their personal belongings in there while they’re gone.
By decluttering every room, drawer, and closet, you can actually make some money. You can sell your stuff free on Craigslist. Giving it to a charity such as Goodwill gives you a tax break when it’s time to fill out your tax return.
Or you can set up a garage sale or bring it to a consignment shop or second-hand store for some quick cash. Plus the action of cleaning up your old place can give you a clear mind to move on to your new assignment without worries.
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“I always say ‘take what you’ll need’ such as clothing and small personal items. You don’t really need much. Less is better,” she says. And for those who fly to their new assignment, you really have to keep things simple because most airlines charge for each suitcase.
If there is something you really need but can’t pack it right away, have someone send it to you at your new address.
Yellowpages.ca states that if you need to pack some boxes to be flown to your designation, you should use bedding, sweaters, scarves or bubble wrap to pad fragile items. Heaviest items definitely should be packed at the bottom of the box.
To avoid homesickness, definitely pack something that reminds you of home such as a family portrait. When you get to your destination, it’s OK to go to the nearest big box store and buy some décor, dishes or other things that can make it feel like it’s your place.
A storage unit would be great or ask a friend or family member to let you store things there until you need it for a different assignment somewhere colder, Pryor states.
But don’t pack away every jacket you own. Even warm climates can have chilly evenings and rainy days. A lightweight raincoat and a few sweatshirts can carry you through.
Pryor’s biggest tip before packing or storing anything is to research the area.
“I always try to do a little research about the area and tell my nurses some fun and interesting things to do near their new assignment. That way they have a better idea of what they might need to bring,” she says.
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A new travel assignment and a new temporary home can bring joy along with some frustrations.
For many people, it’s tough getting a good’s night sleep in different surroundings. That can be for a lot of reasons – nerves for a new job, homesickness, bad mattress or “first-night effect” phenomenon.
A Brown University study last year found that one brain hemisphere remains more awake than the other during deep sleep to keep watch over your new and strange environment. Animals do similar things. Seals sleep with one eye open, for instance. The study shows that most people return to their normal sleep habits the second night.
However, it might take longer in a new place especially if you are changing travel assignments every 13 weeks or traveling to completely new places you have never been in your life. It might take some effort to get on a solid sleeping schedule for the sake of your health, safety and productivity.
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Not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to so many things in your life and job, says Dr. M. Safwan Badr, professor and chief of the divisions of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.
“So many errors can be made in the medical profession especially for those who stay up all night,” he says. “There is a consensus among all professional societies that we need more than 7 hours of sleep. But it is a three-legged stool. You need nutrition, exercise and sleep for the three pillars of optimal health.”
The recent research titled Wake-Up Call: The Importance of Sleep in Organizational Life from Hult International Business School in Cambridge, Mass., reveals some interesting statistics.
Over half of people who do not get enough sleep struggle to stay focused in meetings, took longer to complete tasks and found it challenging to generate new ideas.
That’s not good news for nurses, no matter what shift you work or department you work in. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed felt more irritable as a result of poor sleep, and well over half experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety and feelings of frustration.
Even getting an extra half hour to hour sleep can help tremendously.
For those travel nurses who have problems sleeping in a new place at least for the first few days, here are some ideas to try for restful sleep:
Avoid caffeine beverages at night, keep bright lights out of the bedroom especially your cell phone, wind down an hour before sleep, and go to bed earlier if you aren’t getting enough sleep, Badr says.
Your bedroom can be the biggest catalyst for you getting a great sleep, says The Better Sleep Council.
Even in a rented apartment as a travel nurse, there some important things you can add, fix or remove to help you get through those unsettling first nights in a new place.
Choose room-darkening blinds or drapes for your sleeping time, especially if you work nights and sleep days. But let the sunshine in during the rest of the day. Make sure your sheets are comfortable and clean, and your pillow isn’t lumpy or too stiff.
If you need to block unwanted noise coming from an adjacent apartment, just buy a fan at your local big box store.
If you like the sound of the ocean but live in the Midwest or mountains, you can buy a CD or find a smartphone app with sea, woods or other soothing sounds.
The Better Sleep Council also suggests that an air purifier, air conditioner or small fountain can be great white noises to distract strange noises in a new place.
Earplugs also work wonders.
The Better Sleep Council reveals that the ideal bedroom temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees. Also, if you have too many comforters, pillows and blankets, you might be too hot and feel stifled. You can also get a cooling gel mattress pad or pillows with the same concept.
Making exercise whether it be just walking, running, swimming, dancing or anything else that gets your heart pumping and your body sweating can actually promote better sleeping. Just don’t do your activity too close to your sleeping time, Badr says.
See where you can go! Amazing travel nursing jobs up to $2,300/week
For the past 2 ½ years, Andrew Craig and his wife, Sarah, have been living in different parts of the Midwest and Northeast being travel nurses and enjoying adventures along the way.
“We both had heard of travel nursing throughout our career. It has a romantic and almost exotic connotation until you learn that the job is quite challenging. It’s not always greener on the other side,” he says.
Both of them are registered nurses, and it made sense to do travel nursing together. Right now, they recently moved to Waterloo, Iowa. This is the first assignment where they are not working the same unit. However, they are both on the 3rd floor, so they see each other regularly. “I work the medical-surgical-oncology unit, and my wife works the surgical unit. However, we both regularly float back and forth to a variety of units. That is very common as a travel nurse,” he adds.
Why did you want to be a nurse in the first place?
Craig’s journey to becoming a nurse took a few years after not being able to go into the Navy like he had planned right after high school. “I didn’t have a plan and spent a few years in many types of jobs. I remember vividly while I was roofing in the winter that maybe this type of work wasn’t for me anymore,” he explains. “Can you believe that there are people that roof their houses in the middle of winter? You bet it happens.”
He went to community college to become a paramedic in Moline, Ill., where he was raised, and decided to become a paramedic. That was for no particular reason other than he liked medical shows. He had no family in the medical field. Craig ended up volunteering in a local emergency department to get some healthcare experience and hoped to get some exposure to paramedics. “It’s a funny thing. I had way more exposure to nurses than I did paramedics. I liked the work even though I really had no clue at the time what they were doing. I thought it was cool, and I got hooked at the interaction with the patients and families at the bedside. The feeling I got that I was making a difference in another person’s life was intoxicating,” he states. He switched majors shortly after that, got into nursing school, and survived the “torturous” three years of his life to become a nurse.
Where did you start out being a nurse and in what departments?
He worked in skilled nursing facilities for about two years. He then applied to multiple positions at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City after he needed a change from long term care. He accepted a job on the Pulmonary Step Down unit there, and was there for about 1 ½ years before starting travel nursing.
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What age were you when you decided it was time to be a traveling nurse?
He was 27 at the time.
How long have you been married, and where did you meet?
They have been married almost four years. “We’ve been together nearly eight years, and we met on a free dating website okcupid.com,” he says. “Legend has it that she was going to delete her profile the day I contacted her. Good thing she didn’t.”
Why did you feel it was the right time to be a traveling nurse with your spouse, and what were your main reasons for doing it?
“My wife and I had just got back from our trip in Scotland. We took our honeymoon there. We rented a car and drove all over the country. When we got back, we wanted more adventure. We subsequently put in our notice in at our jobs shortly after and started travel nursing soon after we got back. We still had the travel bug and wanted more adventure. We had no serious ties keeping us in one place. We also found that travel nursing can be quite financially lucrative which was another huge motivating factor.”
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Do you two always work in the same hospital or department? Do you always have the same shifts?
“Except for this assignment, we have always worked the same shifts and the same unit. It works for us. We’re a good team and work well with each other at work,” he says. He thinks couples that do this must have excellent communication and have some separation of work and home life. “If we were to bring our baggage to work, it would not be good for us or our co-workers. Not that we have much of that, but it’s an important skill to develop if couples are to work with each other regularly,” he says.
Tell about the absolute best days you’ve ever had as a traveling nurse.
“One is driving the California coast from Los Angeles to southern Oregon. We worked in Klamath Falls, Ore., for six months,” he adds. “The drive is absolutely gorgeous. The mist that blankets the scenery coming off the coast is breath taking at times.” The couple also absolutely loved Madison, Wis. The people, the food, their co-workers and the state, itself was great. “When we stop travel nursing, Madison is a strong contender for settling down some roots,” Craig explains.
Explain in a few sentences some of the things you two have been able to do as a couple as travel nurses.
“We’ve been on countless road trips. We’ve driven well over 40,000 miles all over the country. We’ve been to over 40 states together,” he says. They have drank beers in Portland, Ore.; took a road trip to Las Vegas to visit United Kingdom friends; driven through mile high, snowy mountain tops in Colorado; and taken cruises and extended vacations to rest and relax. In some cases, they were able to earn double what they made as staff nurses. So, that leaves money for adventures.
What destinations do you hope to go in the future as pair of traveling nurses?
Currently, on their list is: California, Hawaii, and Alaska. Otherwise, they are pretty flexible.
How long do you think you will be traveling nurses together, and why?
“It depends on when children enter the picture. Otherwise, I could foresee us traveling indefinitely,” Craig says.
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What are your best tips for couples who are thinking about being travel nurses together?
* Communication.
* Don’t bring your home life issues to work. Keep it professional on the unit.
* Learn conflict resolution.
* Sometimes swallow your pride and conclude a disagreement. It can spill over at the work place.
* Embrace that you are a couple.
“Some people find it weird that couples work together. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, ‘Well, I could never work with my husband,’” he says. “Be a team player and leader on the unit and show people that it’s perfectly cool that couples can work the same unit without it being weird.”
When you pack for a vacation, it’s easy to get a suitcase and throw in the essentials along with some comfortable and fun clothing. But how do you pack your travel suitcase for a nurse assignment that lasts 13 weeks or more?
But those who have been doing this gig a while now, understand the importance of planning, researching the area of the assignment and paring down to what you need to live happily without too much fuss and muss.
“Every travel nurse feels overwhelmed stepping in a new city,” says a representative from Emerald Health Services in El Segundo, Calif. “It is important to receive a high level of expertise and attention. I encourage each and every traveler to partner with their housing department to discuss all aspects of their future residency.”
Companies want their nurses to concentrate on your new job and avoid any stress.
What should you do before packing?
Many companies offer a variety of corporate set-ups. The ‘turn-key’ offer includes furnishings in all rooms, appliances, housewares, linens, cable, and internet, she says. “Emerald Health Services conducts that very important initial intake to capture what our candidate desires for her/his upcoming assignment,” she adds.
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If your housing does not offer anything but furniture, what should be your essential list for packing to live well but not to go crazy?
For those situations, where the units are “furnished” only, she highly suggests packing a bed in a bag set; a set of towels; and a few pieces of dishware and cutlery. Also, no one should neglect to bring plastic closet hangers and a roll of toilet paper. These essential items will be a welcome to any travel nurse that finds him/herself arriving into town in the late hours of the night.
What things should a travel nurse always purchase later once they get to their destination to make things easier?
“Dependent on which type of housing package a traveler has selected will determine what to pack and purchase later on. As you may want to get everything at once, it’s best to prioritize and address the essential needs for the first couple of weeks of your travel nursing assignment,” she replies.
What documents should you always pack for your job?
It’s important to have all of your banking documents, auto insurance policy, list of medications, emergency numbers, and pet records [if traveling with a pet].
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Since a travel assignment usually is 13 weeks, what is the least amount of clothing and work clothes you can get away with packing?
“In addition to their scrubs, I always suggest bringing a basic set of workout clothes, comfortable walking shoes, a sweater and one nice jacket,” she says. “And, let’s not forget to pack at least one essential going out ensemble.” You can’t go wrong with a little black dress or a suit jacket and nice slacks.
Shoes are heavy usually. So, what’s the right number and right kinds of shoes to pack?
In addition to the perfect work shoe, do pack a great pair of Converse All Stars for exploring the city on your days off, a favorite evening shoe for a special occasion, and your go-to work-out shoe. At most, I would simply keep the shoe count at three pairs.
What items should you pack to make your house feel like a home when you get there?
Framed photos of your family and loved ones can keep them close to your heart. “Everyone wants to make the most of the 750 square feet of living space you will be calling home for the next 13 weeks. Creating the right feel and look for your apartment offers a chance to imprint your personality to your residence,” she says.
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Give your favorite tip on packing like a pro.
“One of my favorite tips is to add a few dryer sheets in your suitcase, as it eliminates wrinkles. It works,” she adds.
What are some easy ways to pack fragile items in your suitcase?
Whether it is a framed photo or a bottle of perfume, wrap these items carefully in between your knits or cotton items.
If you are traveling by car and have more room to bring more things, what other things do you suggest that could make the travel nurse more comfy or less homesick?
Your favorite bed pillow and/or blanket are essential. “Since we spend almost a third of our lives sleeping, it is why the bedroom is one of the most important spaces in any dwelling. Comfortable, cozy blankets and soft pillows is a must for a good night’s sleep,” she explains.
What apps or websites could help travel nurses do a great job of packing?
Two free apps are: PackPoint [Android and iOS] and Packr Travel Packing [iOS].
Are their packing products that can make packing more organized or smoother?
She always suggests to pack with tissue paper. This is especially helpful if you are packing soft items like silk shirts or undergarments.
The excitement of a new assignment for a travel nurse brings exhilaration and hope of new adventures. But the mental well-being of going somewhere you’ve never been and alone can also make someone feel homesick as they start out in a new place and a new job. It’s normal for humans to feel a connection to their hometown, family and friends left behind.
Many times this feeling of loss is temporary. Michelle McAfee, senior talent advisor for travel nursing company Liquid Agents, has been working with travel nurses as an advisor and recruiter since 2002. She has seen nurses go through many emotions when starting a new position when one is far from home.
“Familiar surroundings, as well as relationships, add a sense of security during this transition period and when that is removed it becomes very noticeable,” she adds.
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Anxiety, loneliness and a whole bunch of other stressful feelings can happen.
“The excitement of the new assignment initially fills that void. But once a traveler settles into a more normal schedule, the feeling of homesickness sneaks up,” McAfee explains. “Experiencing your first night alone and your first solo meal away from the comfort of your living room can become daunting and magnify these feelings.”
Travel nurses begin to long for anything that is familiar, stable, or comfortable. It’s not even just “home” because they are always experiencing the constant shuffle. Some even begin to have pre-emptive homesickness in anticipation of the next assignment, she says.
What is one of the best ways a newbie travel nurse should pick their first assignments, so they won’t be homesick?
“A fantastic way to pick an inaugural travel assignment is to look at your bucket list. Where have you always wanted to travel?” she says. “The excitement associated with that location can ease some of the homesick anxiety and the positive mindset can also help a travel nurse embrace the new location.”
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What are the best ways they can easily explore the area they are assigned to on their days off to make them feel better?
Create a list of places to see and things to do before you arrive to your new location. The visitors’ bureau and websites of the city you are heading to will highlight attractions. But even a simple walk through the neighborhood or a conversation with one of the town’s local citizens can provide great information of things to see and do, she adds. You can always find out the best restaurants and local hangouts by just talking to people. Talk with those in your apartment complex, gym and grocery store, or those at the nearby coffee shop.
How can a travel nurse better fit in to their new job and get to know people there to ease the homesickness?
“When a travel nurse starts a new assignment, it is sometimes hard to break the ice. But the best thing to do is embrace the new and invite a co-worker to dinner or happy hour,” McAfee says. “Do something outside of work that will begin to foster a friendship.”
How can they use social media to get more involved in the area to meet with new people?
Bumble BFF is an effective digital resource where you can meet your new friends or find a workout partner, so that travel nurses don’t have to explore their new area alone, McAfee adds.
You can also use Meetup for finding a group in your area that has the same interests such as biking, hiking, cooking or book clubs.
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Would having friends and family visit off and on during the assignment help with that homesickness and why?
“Of course. Encourage friends and family to visit and explore the area with you. The shared experience will also help maintain your long-distance relationships,” she says.
What are some other ways the homesick nurse can feel more comfortable in their new surroundings?
McAfee suggests hosting a travel nurse dinner at your apartment and invite all of the travel nurses in the area.
Also when packing your bags to go to a new assignment, remember to put in a few keepsakes such as meaningful photos or a piece of jewelry that means a lot with you. Just looking at snapshots of your nieces or your mom and dad can give you a smile and get you through the day.
You can also buy or bring something special to add to your temporary home to brighten it up or to signify your new adventure. Maybe you can collect something small from each place you live and bring them to new assignments to remind you of where you’ve been.
When someone decides to be a travel nurse, he or she does it for a myriad of reasons. Adventure is on the top of the list along with making more money and meeting new people in new parts of the country.
Of course, an adjustment period usually happens – getting used to the area, understanding the facility you work in, and eventually, connecting with your co-workers and other travel nurses. Some people love it from the first day. Others take a while. But most have great stories and great memories of amazing days on the job and off the job.
Here are four travel nurses who contract with Host Healthcare who talk about their best days as a travel nurse:
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Kentia Davis, who has been a travel nurse two years, has had assignments in Colorado, Arkansas and Washington. Her next destination is California.
When and why did you decide to become a travel nurse?: “I grew up in Northwest Arkansas, went to college in Northwest Arkansas, and obtained my first nursing job in Northwest Arkansas. I love Fayetteville, but I wanted to see more while I had the chance. I have always had an adventurous spirit, and knew that travel nursing was calling my name.”
Her best day as a travel nurse outside of the job: “Hiking Mt. Rainier in Washington State was the most beautiful, incredible and breath-taking experience of my life. This is a must do if you take an assignment there.”
Her best day as a travel nurse on the job: “Being new to units can be scary as a travel nurse. I was fortunate in my first travel assignment to have an amazing colleague who was also a former travel nurse really help show me the ropes of my new unit.”
During her first assignment, she was really nervous that nurses in her assigned unit wouldn’t be helpful or receptive to a traveler. To combat this, she just made it very clear that she was there to help the unit. Having this mindset really helped her and is something she would tell all new traveling nurses.
“Stay positive. Most units are very glad to have some back up come in,” Davis adds.
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Kendall Turner, who has been a travel nurse since 2013, has had assignments in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Virginia.
When and why did you decide to become a travel nurse? “I decided during school that I wanted to be a travel nurse. What drew me to becoming a travel nurse was the ability to learn something new every day. Being a travel nurse has allowed me to meet so many amazing people. I also like that being a travel nurse pushes me a little outside my comfort zone. I am forced to meet new people quickly, explore new cities and enjoy new experiences.”
Her best day as a travel nurse outside the job: “Visiting Lambeau Field, Home of the Packers. It is such an amazing stadium and a wonderful tour. But I also love just being in and exploring Appleton. It’s a smallish town, and the people are so friendly.”
Her best day as a travel nurse on the job: “I had a patient come in during my first day of my new assignment. She was a young girl who was clearly scared and nervous. I took some time and just chatted with her. I learned about what she liked, her hobbies and her favorite food. That connection that we make as nurses really motivates me to want to help as many people as possible.”
Sonya Rymarchyk, who has been a travel nurse since 2014, has had assignments all across the country. Some of her early assignments were in Pennsylvania but she recently came to California. She took that time to drive across the country and check out some amazing places.
When and why did you decide to become a travel nurse? “I decided to become a travel nurse in 2013. I met a few travel nurses, heard how much fun they were having and I thought ‘I want to do that.’ ”
Her best day as a travel nurse outside the job: “My favorite experience, so far, was getting lost in Napa with my best friends. It’s a great place to get lost.”
Her best day as a travel nurse on the job: “My favorite part of being in the ER are the highly skilled people you meet and work next to. I learn something new every day. You never know what will come in on a stretcher. No matter how bad the situation is, you have the confidence that the team you are with will do their best.”
One of her favorite things about being a travel nurse is the places you get to see. Her favorite place so far is San Diego. It’s 70 degrees all the time and is better than a snow shovel any day.
“I love all the hidden treasures southern California has to offer including great eateries, places to visit and meeting wonderful people,” Sonya says.
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Tom Baker, who has been a travel nurse since July 2015, has worked in Alaska, Maine and Nevada. So far his favorite place is Reno. “If there is one word to describe Reno, it’s passion. That place will always be a second home to me,” he says.
When and why did you decide to become a travel nurse? “My wife and I wanted to see the United States before having kids. We are both nurses and becoming a travel nurse seemed like an awesome way to take a perpetual vacation,” he says.
His best day as a travel nurse outside the job: “During one assignment in Alaska, my wife and I decided to see the Northern Lights. It was so great watching the Northern Lights explode to life in the night sky.”
His best day as a travel nurse on the job: “I have had the pleasure of working with amazing people. I have always been welcomed with open arms. I remember my first day at an assignment in Reno, my unit wrote me a very nice welcome card. It was that little gesture that made me feel welcomed and like I belonged.”
Being a travel nurse has given him so much flexibility to spend more time with his family. You work long shifts and during assignments, and sometimes you aren’t always on the same schedule as your family. “But when you are in between assignments, it’s great to explore the world. One of my favorite trips with my family was seeing the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland,” Baker says.
