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There are many decisions to make when starting a new travel nurse assignment — How much does it pay? Where do I get to travel? How many pairs of shoes should I bring? And, of course, should I take agency-placed housing or take the housing stipend and find my own?
Regardless of your travel intentions — making extra money or exploring a new city — where you live while working is a big deal. The decision to take agency-placed housing or finding your own is no exception. There are advantages and disadvantages to both and many travel nurses will tell you that your housing situation can make or break your travel nursing experience.
RNs can earn up to $2,300 a week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
Are you hoping to make extra money? Or, is exploring a new location more important? If you’re looking to make as much money as possible, then it may be wisest to find your own housing and take advantage of the non-taxable stipend.
You’ll need to find housing that’s less expensive than your housing stipend, though. In some cities, this may be easier than others. You may need to be flexible with what amenities are deal breakers (washer/dryer, gym, pool, etc.), whether or not you’re willing to live with a roommate, or what area within the city you’d like to live.
By being flexible and focusing on overall costs, some travel nurses can actually make money from their stipend. The trade-off, though, is more work and upfront costs, plus potentially more compromise. For those travel nurses where money is secondary, then agency-placed housing may save you time and effort.
Read more: Housing for Traveling Nurses
To take the housing stipend and find your own housing, you’ll be required to come up with a security deposit, plus first month’s rent (some places require last month’s rent upfront too). If you don’t have enough funds to cover these upfront costs, then it may not be a feasible option for you.
Also, if you have bad credit, then you may not qualify for certain housing opportunities, or be able to rent furniture or get internet access. In that case, agency-placed housing may be your best option.
If you find your own housing, then you’re on the hook if anything adverse happens — either at the apartment or with your lease.
For example: Two nurses, one who found their own housing and one who took agency-placed housing, experience a bed bug infestation. Nurse #1 (who found her own housing) has to call the landlord to get an exterminator and potential arrange for other living arrangements. Nurse #2 (who took agency-placed housing) has to notify her staffing agency’s housing coordinator who will take care of everything for her.
In another scenario, these same two nurses have their contracts cancelled early for low census. Nurse #1 has to terminate a short-term lease and potentially pay fees, while Nurse #2 just has to decide on their next assignment.
RNs can earn up to $2,300 a week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
If you choose agency-placed housing you’ll likely not have much choice in where you live. If you want to be downtown, but your staffing agency has a place in the suburbs, then that’s what you get.
Finding your own housing gives you the freedom to choose where you live as well as what amenities and price best suit your lifestyle.
Read more: Best Cities for Travel Nurses
Whether or not to take agency-placed housing versus finding your own ultimately depends on your preferences and goals for travel nursing. If you’re flexible about housing arrangements and have your finances in a good place, then finding your own housing may be the way to go. But, if you’re new to travel nursing or don’t want the work of finding a place on your own in a new city, then agency-placed housing is probably for you.
And, remember, if you aren’t happy with your living arrangements, then like most everything else in travel nursing — it’s only temporary.
RNs can earn up to $2,300 a week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!
The one thing that most people can agree on about a hospital is that virtually nobody really wants to be there; patients would rather be at home and healthy.
This leads to stress, anxiety, pain, and fear in the hospital setting and unfortunately are all common emotions experienced not only by patients and families, but healthcare workers as well.
Below are seven tips that I’ve found work well with dealing with particularly anxious patients and family members both as a travel nurse and a charge nurse.
When dealing with anxious patients, the most important skill to learn is to listen. Most patients just want to know that you are listening to their concerns. People come into their room all day long talking at them and rarely ask them how they’re feeling. Take two minutes, preferably at the beginning of your shift, to sit down and talk with your patient. Ask open-ended questions like “how are you feeling?” or “is there anything that I can do to make you feel more comfortable?”
The majority of patients with anxiety are not frequent fliers — they don’t know the hospital routine like some of your other patients. Most people’s fear of the hospital comes from being in an unfamiliar environment and not knowing what to expect. To help minimize anxiety, let your patient know everything that you are doing and why you are doing it.
Also, before you enter the patient’s room, make sure you’re prepared. Bring with you any new medication hand-outs and be able to explain the rationale behind administering all of them. Prepare your patients on what to expect with any procedures that will occur that day or the next. If you can’t answer all of their questions, then find someone for them who can.
Do not tell someone who is anxious to relax. IT DOESN’T WORK. Instead, ask them what you can do to help them relax.
Some patients will be able to tell you what they need. If they cannot tell you, then help them with some relaxation techniques. Give specific directions like “breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.” Take some vital signs to make sure the patient isn’t anxious for a medical reason. Dim the lights. Ask family members to step out for a moment to let the patient rest. Also, consider offering the services of the chaplain, a cup of tea, or a warm blanket.
Let the patient and/or family members know that you will be checking in with them or “rounding” on them every hour to make sure everything is okay. Explain the plan of care including medication schedule, repositioning, or procedural preparations for the day/night. Introduce the on-coming nurse during report and reassure the patient that they’ll be in good hands.
Make efforts to lighten the mood and be personable. Ask patients about their lives — how many kids/grandkids do they have, where are they from, how they met their spouse, etc. This helps do two things: one, it gives patients something to focus on besides their current situation and anxiety, and two, it’ll make them more comfortable with you, which also lessens stress.
If in report you get a particularly anxious patient or family member, then prepare yourself to “practice your patience.” Use this as an opportunity to train yourself to remain calm in stressful situations.
Also, know how negative emotional responses like anxiety or fear are activated in your body. Maybe it’s a knot in your stomach, a fast heart rate, or tense muscles. Recognize these feelings and take a few deep breaths before heading into your next task.
Be aware of your own biases or assumptions. We all have conscious and unconscious beliefs about how people should or should not behave in certain situations. But, the truth is that unless you’ve actually been in that situation yourself, you shouldn’t judge how someone else should feel or act. Do your best to put yourself in their shoes.
Patients have every right to be anxious — being in the hospital is scary. But, learning how to manage stress in yourself and others is a unique skill that you’ll carry with you throughout your life, not just on shift.
Starting a new job is stressful and with travel nursing it may be more so — the hospital or facility more than likely needed you yesterday and your training is often condensed into a short time frame.
As a new traveler, adjusting to a new hospital every three months was challenging, but now it’s become my favorite part of the job. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that ensure my first days on a new assignment run smoothly.
Ready to start your next assignment? Connect with a recruiter today!
In other words, come prepared. Bring hard copies of all of your important documents in a binder on your first day of orientation. The travel nurse agency you’re employed with and the hospital you’re contracted at both require specific documents like your nursing license, certifications, and health records. On occasion, travelers were prevented from starting because [insert important document] is missing and the nurse is unable to work until the document is received. Save yourself time and undo stress by having your documents readily available if needed. CamScanner is a free app that I use to upload all of my important documents to my phone — problem solved!
Also, bring a lock for your locker — most hospitals won’t provide one for you. And, bring a lunch. Don’t assume that you’ll have ample time to run down to the cafeteria to grab food.
Pro tip: Bring coffee and baked goods to break the ice with your new co-workers. Write a brief note on the box introducing yourself and expressing your excitement. Nurses appreciate the gesture!
Arrive early your first day and speak with the charge nurse (or whoever makes the assignments) and be assertive about who you want as your preceptor. As a traveler, your orientation is usually 1 to 3 days max, so it’s important that you maximize the time you have — securing a preceptor that’s the right fit for you is a good start.
For example, the charge nurse may assign you with nurse Betty who’s been working at the hospital for 30 years. Nurse Betty may be awesome at patient care, but as an experienced nurse who’s ready to hit the ground running, you’re not there to “learn to be a nurse.” You have a couple of days to learn the computer charting, so if nurse Betty isn’t comfortable using the computer, then you should speak up and request a “super user” on the unit.
Also, let the charge nurse know what you need to feel comfortable by yourself on the unit, so you’re able to have assistance from your preceptor the first-time around like for a full admission and/or discharge. As a labor and delivery nurse, I always ask to see at least one cesarean and one vaginal delivery during my orientation.
It’s impossible to learn every single thing in 1 to 3 days, so bring a notebook and write down all of the important things that you’ll need. Make sure you know how to call the charge nurse, nurse manager, and code team during an emergency. Also, make sure you know where the code button is in every room! Write down all of the codes to the locker room, bathroom, pyxis, storage room, etc. Print out important policies and procedures you may need to refer to in the future. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions — every hospital runs differently, so it’s not a good idea to assume anything. If you’re unsure, ASK. Don’t put patient safety at risk because you don’t want to ask too many questions.
Most importantly, always keep a positive attitude. No place is perfect and it’s not your job to point out everything you see wrong or try to “fix” anything either. Keep an open mind and remember that most things can be done more than one way.
Focus on your patients and concentrate on providing the best care for them. No matter where you’re working or what your experience is, it’s all about perspective. A difficult assignment can be a learning opportunity. Being floated can add new skills to your resume. If the hospital isn’t “traveler friendly,” that’s okay — you can do anything for three months.
Ready to start your next assignment? Connect with a recruiter today!
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.
Find out which locations are hiring. Begin your adventure today!
“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.
Travel nurses are in high demand. Meet your next employer now.
When my vacation was denied after my father passed away, that was the last straw. I was overworked, underpaid, and completely fed up when my manager refused to give me time away to grieve the most important person in my life. Less than 24 hours later, I accepted my first job as a travel nurse, signed my contract, and put in my two weeks notice. It’s safe to say that I did more than just take the leap into travel nursing — I dove in head first without looking back.
Becoming a travel nurse gave me the autonomy to quit the job I hated and choose the job I wanted. Now, I have the freedom to vacation as long as I want, and I’ve more than doubled my income while only working 9 months last year!
But, I have to be honest, starting off wasn’t so easy and I made a lot of rookie mistakes. Even though I struggled for a few years, I don’t regret becoming a travel nurse. Though, there are a few things that I would do differently.
Ready to start traveling? Connect with top recruiters today!
After some initial research, I found a reputable company that I liked and gave them a call. Once I connected with a company recruiter, I immediately began working with her to find a job placement. Seems simple, right? That was actually the first big mistake I made. As a travel nurse, it’s smarter to work with more than one company especially if you’re new to the industry. This will allow you to compare the benefits that each company offers to ensure you’re getting the right fit for you. It also allows you to compare recruiters — which leads me to the next mistake I made.
Unfortunately, not all recruiters are created equally. Any experienced travel nurse will tell you, your recruiter can make or break your entire experience as a travel nurse. When you’re looking for a recruiter make sure that they have great communication skills. Are they easy to get ahold of? Do they respond in an appropriate amount of time? You do not want a recruiter who’s MIA! This will make all the difference if you run into any problems during your assignment.
Also, make sure that your recruiter listens to your needs and makes them a priority. You should never be pressured into something you don’t want to do. For example, working night shift is a deal breaker for me, so I hate it when recruiters send me offers for night shift. It’s a waste of time and it shows me that the recruiter failed to listen to me and make my needs a priority when looking for jobs.
Lastly, your recruiter should be upfront and transparent about pay packages. You should never be submitted to any position without fully understanding every aspect of what you’re offered.
This mistake should cost you money, so pay attention. Signing your first contract can be really exciting, but it’s important you know what you’re signing yourself up for. This sounds like common sense, but many new travel nurses don’t bother to read the terms they’re agreeing to. Double check everything you and your recruiter discussed, so there’s no discrepancies that could lead to surprises later on.
Things to confirm before you sign your contract:
If you have any planned vacation, make sure that your vacation time is written in your contract AND confirmed by the hiring manager in your interview if possible. Shift and hours may seem like a small detail but it’s often overlooked — never assume you’re working three shifts per week (36 hours). Although, it’s common, shifts and hours will vary by facility. Many facilities require 8 hour shifts instead of 12.
Last but least, have fun! No matter where you end up, make the most of every experience.
Ready to start traveling? Connect with top recruiters today!
I’ve been a travel nurse for over 3 years with 14+ contracts under my belt. But, I learned some lessons the hard way on how best to land a travel nursing job. Below are five tips from building your resume to interviewing with the hiring manager that helped me get multiple travel nurse contracts.
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As I’m sure you know, 1-2 years experience is needed to become a travel nurse. But, there’s one more thing that’s much more important than experience. Once I discovered this, I was able to land a job over another travel nurse who had twice the experience as me. What is it? Your skill set.
Travel nurses are expected to start working on a new unit with minimal training (usually 1-3 days max), so the first thing hiring managers will want to see on your resume is what you can do, not just how long you’ve worked. For example, if you’re an ER nurse with 2 years experience in a Level I trauma center, you’ll likely get the job over another nurse with 4 years experience in a Level IV trauma center, because you’ve probably seen more patients and learned more skills in a shorter period of time.
Pro tip: Add your skill set to your resume, so the hiring manager can compare more than years of experience.
Now that you know how to build a better travel nurse resume, you’re more likely to get a call for an interview. But, don’t miss the call! This was a painful mistake I made as a new traveler and it ended up costing me a job. A hiring manager called once while I was driving. I decided to call her back when I reached home and had reviewed my prepped interview notes. When I called back an hour later, the manager said, “According to your resume you were the perfect fit for the job, but I called another traveler after I couldn’t reach you and she was offered the job.”
I was heartbroken — I lost a contract I really wanted due to a preventable mistake. The travel nurse industry moves really fast. If you’re submitted to a job, make sure your ringer is on ad you’re ready to interview at any time.
Pro tip: Be confident! If the hiring manager is calling you, then your resume fits what they’re looking for. All you have to do is reassure them that you’re the perfect fit for the position.
Once you receive a call from the hiring manager, remember to emphasize that you’re a team player, quick learner, and easy to work with. And most importantly, mention that you’re flexible. The mistake many travelers make when interviewing is bringing up their vacation requests too early in the interview. Yes, vacation time is something you want to confirm in your interview, but mentioning it first thing is the quickest way to bomb your interview. Travel nurses are hired to fill a staffing need — you don’t want the hiring manager to think you’re more worried about your vacation than the role.
Also, make sure to let the hiring manager know that you’ve done some research and know what you’re getting into if you accept the contract. As a labor and delivery nurse, I personally love high-risk units that are busy. For one interview, I told the hiring manager, “When I heard that there’s over 600 deliveries per month on your unit, it immediately put a smile on my face. As a travel nurse I look forward to working on busy units with high-risk patients, because I love a challenge.”
A little bit of research on the role or facility lets the hiring manager know that you’re not intimidated by the job and you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Last but not least, if you think you’re the right fit, then always ask for the job at the end of the interview. A hospital hiring travel nurses is most likely short staffed and needed you yesterday — there’s no sense delaying the process further. I personally ask for the job at the end of each interview and I’ve always heard yes!
Ready to start traveling? Get connected with a staffing agency now!
Looking for love is hard, but it can be especially challenging for those who travel for work. Travel nursing is no exception. But, what if you could increase your odds by taking your next travel assignment in a dating-friendly city.
WalletHub recently compared more than 180 cities across the U.S. on three key dimensions of dating-friendliness — economics, fun and recreation, and dating opportunities. Then they evaluated each dimension on 34 metrics, from the number of singles in an area to the nightlife options per capita to restaurant-meal cost. View the entire list of cities and WalletHub’s full methodology.
All 180 cities seemed a bit overwhelming, so below are the top 20 cities for singles that made the list.
Get started on your adventure. Find open assignments here.
Get started on your adventure. Find open assignments here.
Whether you’re currently with someone, looking for love, or casually dating, relationships take work. And, if you layer in consistent traveling, then you increase the challenges.
Learn from travel nurses who have navigated the dating world while on assignment:
6 Ways to Make Dating Work with Travel Nursing
The Pros and Cons of Long-Distance Relationships
Also, read about how other couples met and thrived in their relationships while travel nursing:
Travel Nurse Interview (Couple Edition): Chase + Lindsay
Travel Nurse Interview (Couple Edition): Krystal + Nick
Travel Nurse Interview (Couple Edition): Chris + Lesley
I don’t know about you, but the thought of settling down in a relationship or getting married was the last thing on my mind when I decided to embark in travel nursing. I didn’t really know what to expect from my travels, but I knew that I would meet lots of people in different situations that I had never been before.
And like with everything else, I did little to prepare myself. I’m no expert on dating and you will likely have unique dating experiences (both good and bad), but below are a few things that I learned along the way about dating as a travel nurse.
Discover your dream travel assignment here.
1. It expands your horizons. Dating on assignment encourages you to be open to meeting new people from different parts of the country, different cultures, and ethnicities that you have may have never been around.
2. It helps you create your life partner checklist. Spending time alone allows you to think about what it is that you want in a partner. Maybe there were characteristics that you admire in someone you met in another city that you find yourself missing. Or, maybe you realize the person you just left was the love of your life.
3. Temporary assignments provide space. Often when you meet someone travel nursing, the relationship initially seems exciting, which can cause you to overlook some red flags. When a new contract takes you elsewhere, you may realize the person you were so excited about wasn’t the person for you. Or, the opposite. Maybe dating long distance confirms things for you.
Overall, though, knowing that you are only in a city temporarily can make the dating scene a little more casual and fun — you can get to know people without worrying about marriage.
1. Usually contracts are only 13 weeks. It can take a few weeks to actually meet someone, especially if you don’t have any connections in that city. And, by the time you do meet someone, it may be time to decide on where your next assignment is going to be. Trying to decide if the person you just met is worth sticking around for can be a tough decision, especially if you don’t care for the city you are working in.
2. You may be more vulnerable than usual. Travel nursing can be lonely, especially at first. You may find yourself settling for someone not quite right for you to avoid loneliness.
3. Some people find travel nurses exciting. They may like the idea of a short-term, casual relationship with no commitments. If this isn’t what you want, then beware.
Explore the country while doing what you love! Click here to connect with a staffing agent.
From my own experiences, I have compiled a list of dating tips. That doesn’t mean I actually followed all of them, but in hindsight, I was I had.
1. Do NOT cancel your travel plans. If you have always wanted to go to Oregon, then by all means go there. Don’t cancel your plans to stay with someone you just met. You can get to know people at a distance — long-distance relationships can improve your communication and tend to be more exciting.
2. Be creative. Don’t make “grabbing a drink” your go-to date. If the person you are dating is local, then have them show you some local attractions. Or, compile a list of things you want to do and turn those into dates.
3. Maintain distance. Avoid dating people who are in the same housing complex as you. Trust me, this can get weird fast.
4. Keep your work life separate. If you date a coworker, it may be wise to obtain your next contract at a different hospital in the same city. This helps minimize drama that may occur should things not work out.
5. Beware of serial daters (unless you are one). Some hospitals who employ a lot of travel nurses have employees who like to take advantage of their vulnerabilities. I witnessed one guy date five different travel nurses at a time.
6. Don’t force anything. The time constraint of a 13-week contract can be stressful. If the only reason you want to stay in a city is because of the person you are dating, then it may be wise to have a serious conversation with that person on where he or she stands. If you’re not on the same page, then move on.
I personally believe dating is at its best when the sole purpose of hanging out with that person is to have fun, but not to get married — especially for the first few months. Travel nursing is an adventure. Do not let dating take away from your experience. If you find more heartache than joy while you are on the road, then maybe it’s time to reconsider your priorities.
Read more about Crystal’s experience with dating on the road: A Travel Nursing Love Story.
Click here to find available travel assignments.
“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!
Travel nursing is even more fun when you have a partner in crime. Maybe it’s with your friend who is also a nurse, your spouse or significant other, or even a fellow co-worker.
I know a couple that are both nurses and have been traveling together for years. They usually work with the same agency and will often work at the same hospital but on different floors.
One of them accepts a housing stipend while the other travel nurse will allow the agency to make housing arrangements for them. It’s a nice bonus for them because they don’t have to go out of their way to find housing and can even profit from their housing stipend.
They usually work the same shifts (such as day vs night). Yet, they do not exactly need to work the same exact days since working in the hospital only requires a 3-day workweek.
So they are bound to have at least a couple of days off together. They do not need the same days off because this allows them to have some alone time or space if desired.
I have tons of friends that are travel nurses too, so we often try to coincide with each other on our travel plans. For instance, when I traveled to work in San Diego, California, I had three travel nursing friends working there as well. It ended up being such a blast because we were able to explore the city together.
We went to La Jolla to see all of the seals close by, and would go out at night to the Gaslamp Quarter for some entertainment! When one of us would go out of town, it was convenient to have someone else take us/pick us up from the airport.
Although we didn’t work in the same facility, nor did we have the exact same schedules, it was nice already having someone you know in a new setting.
Discover new places while doing what you love.
It is also possible to travel with fellow co-workers. I have previously worked with some pretty incredible nurses that were travelers as well. I personally did not plan to travel with them, but sometimes we ended up living in the same area again. We would meet up during our time off and compare our current work and living conditions.
It comes in handy too because if one of us has worked in a certain facility before, the other person can give us the scoop prior to accepting a new assignment there.
I do know some travel nurses that travel with their previous co-workers on purpose. It ends up being beneficial because they will each take a housing stipend and rent a house altogether for them to share.
They profit financially and have more living space rather than if housing arrangements would have been made by the agency. Sometimes a travel nurse will work with a certain agency but may change to a different one if they are highly recommended by a co-worker.
Meet new people while travel nursing.
Many travel nurses bring their spouse or partner along for the ride, even if they aren’t in the medical field. Some are able to work from home allowing them to be mobile, while others will pick up short-term positions.
When traveling with children, some partners will take time off and become the stay at home parent. Agencies easily accommodate the travel nurse and their family.
Traveling in pairs can be enjoyable and even financially profitable. It is great to have some type of support system when tackling a new environment both socially and professionally.
The only limitation in traveling with a partner is sometimes finding a job in the same exact town can be a bit challenging or time-consuming. Whether traveling solo or in pairs, travel nursing can be fun for everyone!
Find travel nursing agencies that are great for families.
