Volume 10 Number 9 - July 27th

Working as a travel nurse allows RNs the opportunity to hit the road and explore and work in cities and towns all across the U.S.

Amanda L., Vanessa R. and Sara A. decided to take on a big city. And they love every minute of it. Amanda, a Med Surg RN, and Vanessa, an oncology RN, are on assignment in New York City, and Sara, a Med Surg/Telemetry RN, just completed an assignment in San Francisco.

“I love change and experiencing different cultures,” said Vanessa, who’s been a travel nurse for four years. “My favorite is having everything at my finger tips as far as every culture of food, museums, central park and of course shopping.”

Sara loved her assignment so much that she plans to try a city like Boston in the fall because she likes the “hustle and bustle” of the big city assignments. She’s been planning on working as a travel nurse since she was in nursing school.

Amanda has wanted to move to New York all her life. “New York City is so exciting and has so much to offer. I am never bored and I am exposed to culture that small cities can’t provide.” Amanda enjoys going for walks with her dog in Central Park, visiting museums, dining in a variety of restaurants and shopping in the Big Apple.

The excitement and active city life certainly spill over into the work atmosphere for these traveling RNs. They all commented on their challenging and hectic units.

“People from all over come here to get the opinions of the best doctors for their specific cancer,” said Vanessa, who’s seen patients from all over the world, from California to Turkey and Singapore. “It is a very busy place and the busiest outpatient chemotherapy unit I have ever worked on, but one of my best experiences as a nurse.”

Amanda, Vanessa and Sara all worked with Access Nurses, a travel nurse staffing company, for their big city assignments. “When I tell people about my set up here in NYC, they want to get a job with Access Nurses,” said Vanessa.

Working with a travel company gives nurses the opportunity to live in a city that they may have always dreamed of, but couldn’t because of obstacles like finances. “I wanted to move to NYC all of my life, but knew I couldn’t afford the rent,” said Amanda. “Travel nursing allowed me to move since Access Nurses pays my rent and utilities.”

When relocating to a big city, it’s important to remember there will be some adjustments to consider, like big crowds, more costly lifestyle and convenient public transportation. The RNs are big fans of the public transportation in their assignment cities because it’s much more common and convenient. A bit of advice: “Just know where you are going and don’t panic when you get lost,” said Sara.

Big Cities to See

Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, located in the eastern portion of the state, is Massachusetts capital and most populous city. Walking along the streets of Boston is like walking through history - with the antique street lanterns and historic architecture.
Things to Do:
Take a walking tour of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride
Have a drink at Cheers bar (the location of the popular TV show)
Catch a Red Sox game at at Fenway Park
Window shop at Faneuil Hall, a waterfront mall.
Play chess in Harvard Square

New York City, New York
Look no further than New York City as the ultimate travel destination. From world-famous tourist attractions, to quaint charm of Greenwich Village and the culture of Queens. Also, there is an endless option of shopping boutiques, restaurants and museums.
Things to Do:
Eat a hotdog from a street vendor.
Take a stroll through Central Park.
Buy a knock-off designer bag in China Town.
Go to a pub in East Village.
See a Broadway show.

San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a highly eclectic city, made up of individually-unique districts, from the hippie town of Haight-Ashbury to the thriving downtown business district and Embarcadero.
Things to Do:
Watch street performers at Fisherman’s Wharf
Hit up a trendy bar downtown.
Catch a show at Fillmore.
Go for a walk in Golden Gate Park
Visit Haight and Ashbury, where Grateful Dead and Janice Joplin thrived.

Hot Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs!

Salt Lake City, Utah
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: Days/nights rotation
Start Date: ASAP

Brigham, Utah
OR
Positions: One
Shift: Variable days
Start Date: ASAP

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Telemetry
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour rotating or nights
Start Date: ASAP

Denver, Colorado
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Frisco, Colorado
OR Tech
Positions: Three
Shift: Any
Start Date: October 6

Panama City, Florida
Med Surg
Positions: 10
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: Now through December

Santa Barbara, California
CCU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Sacramento, California
Postpartum
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Denver, Colorado
Cath Lab
Positions: One
Shift: Variable days plus on call
Start Date: ASAP

Nationwide
Dialysis
Positions: 20
Shift: 8 & 10-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Anchorage, Alaska
ICU and L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour nights and rotations
Start Date: ASAP

Nursing Site of the Week

Nursing Fun

Take a break and enjoy this site’s medical jokes and games.

After all…laughter really is the best medicine.

Featured Forum Topic

Housing Advice

I was talking with my recruiter about an assignment I’m interested in taking and the housing situation. She said that apartments are limited in the area because it’s a small city, so they’ll put me up in a hotel instead. Living in a hotel? Has anyone else ever done this while working as a travel nurse? I’d love to hear the pros and cons.

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Volume 10 Number 8 - July 20th

Nurse burnout, also referred to as “work disengagement” or “emotional exhaustion,” is common among nurses and those in the caregiver field, where high-stress situations and traumatic engagements are everyday occurrences. RNs are turning to travel nursing as a way of regaining control of their career and avoiding burnout.

The nursing shortage in the U.S. is greatly affecting nurse burnout rates. Linda Aiken, Ph.D., RN, and director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, conducted a study, which found that one additional patient per nurse increased the risk of burnout by 23 percent.

“Nurses report greater job dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion when they’re responsible for more patients than they can safely care for,” said Linda, in regard to her study. Hospital nurse staffing levels vary widely, usually from four patients per nurse on most unit types to up to 10 or more, she said.

Lillee Gelinas, RN and MSN, emphasizes the importance of having support groups in order to help nurses cope with the stresses of work.

“They give of themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually all day long,” she said. “After a while, they become drained of that positive energy the very reason they went into nursing in the first place.”

Symptoms of burnout may include high blood pressure, insomnia, depression or addiction. People who are at risk of burnout have difficulty focusing on key tasks and maintaining a positive attitude at work, according to Lillee.

Working as a travel nurse can reduce the risk of burnout, while increasing a nurse’s scope of knowledge. Travel nursing offers the luxury of high salaries and flexible hours, all while exploring the country. Travel nursing companies, like Access Nurses, give RNs the opportunity to take their skills on the road to exciting assignments throughout the United States.

“I think it’s a great experience…there’s nothing better,” said Carla J., an RN with Access Nurses in Orange County, California. Though working in the oncology unit can be exhausting, Carla has not experienced burnout. She handles the stress through the support from her supervisor and plenty of fun activities, like going to the beach.

Travel nurses also have the benefit of choice. They decide where and when they want to work. Pat K. works as a travel RN for this very reason: “When you’re full time, you’re owned, and when you’re a traveler, you own your own time (within the bounds of your contract),” said Pat, who has traveled off and on since 1998.

With high salaries, travel assignments allow nurses the freedom of working hard, but playing hard too.

Naomi H., a first time traveler with Access Nurses, spends all of her free time exploring areas close to her small town assignment in Arizona - including the mountains in Salt Lake City and concerts in Las Vegas.

With all of its opportunities and benefits, travel nursing is a great way to revive your career and get a fresh perspective on life.

Tips for Avoiding Burnout

Find out the root of the problem. Pay attention to your emotions. When do you feel the most stressed out and rundown? Identify if it’s actually work that has you feeling burnt out or if it’s outside reasons.

Find a healthy environment. When you have a sense of teamwork, supportive managers, balance of responsibilities and open communication, burnout on the job is significantly diminished. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to be selective in your assignments and only work in hospitals that help you achieve your career goals and personal ambitions.

Unwind outside of work. When not at work, engage in activities that are fun for you. While traveling, you’ll want to explore and become familiar with your neighborhood and surrounding cities. Embrace the flexible work schedule of a travel nurse. Take a cooking class, sign up for a book club or join a walking group. This will allow you to de-stress by enjoying a non nurse-related activity, while getting to know people in your new community.

Maintain a healthy work/life balance. Don’t make the mistake of basing your self worth on job performance. Spend quality time with friends and family or connect with your staff outside of work. By leaving the stresses of work at the hospital, you will reduce the risk of burnout.

Address the warning signs. Denying a problem will only make it worse. Burnout is a common occurrence in the healthcare industry. Be open with your feelings, whether to your supervisor or in a support group. Sometimes simply talking through your stresses will help you avoid burnout.

City to See: Anchorage, Alaska

Within some of the most beautiful, natural wildness is Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city (most of the state’s population resides here). The city has great sights for any traveler. Check out the Alaska Botanical Garden, the Alaska Zoo or one of the several museums in the city to soak up some history and culture. The Alaska Experience IMAX Theater is an absolute must-see! For the more hands-on adventure, just head to the surrounding areas for great camping, hiking and fishing.
Weather: High: 43, Low: 29
Population: 275,043
Nearby Cities: Valdez, Homer, Fairbanks

Hot Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs!

Anchorage, Alaska
CCU
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Las Vegas, Nevada
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Overland Park, Kansas
ER
Positions: Two
Shift: Flex schedule days
Start Date: ASAP

San Diego, California
All Specialties
Positions: 70
Shift: All shifts
Start Date: October 1

Austin, Texas
Cath Lab
Positions: Three
Shift: 8 to 10-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Denver, Colorado
OR
Positions: Six
Shift: Any
Start Date: ASAP

Albuquerque, New Mexico
ER or Subacute
Positions: Five
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: August 6

Frisco, Colorado
L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: July 30

Knoxville, Tennessee
ICU
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Newton, Georgia
L&D
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Torrington, Connecticut
Med Surg
Shift: 8 and 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Morrisville, Vermont
Special Care Unit
Shift: 12-hour shifts & every other weekend rotation
Start Date: ASAP

Atlanta, Georgia
OR, PACU and GI Lab
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Nursing Site of the Week

Nursing Wire

Read and submit journals and articles on a variety of nursing and healthcare topics.

Plus, get the chance to review and grade them.

Featured Forum Topic

I want to be a nurse

I just finished a degree in Biology and have been exploring what I want to get into next. I really think I would enjoy being a nurse, specifically surgical nursing. My problem is not knowing exactly what a surgical nurse does. If someone could offer me informaiton about specifics it would be so helpful.

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Volume 10 Number 7 - July 13th

When the nursing profession is suffering a shortage, the solution can’t be gender biased.

Though a male in scrubs is not the typical image that comes to mind when one thinks of a nurse, men are making their mark in the nursing field.

Men, as well as women, are eager to work in a profession that boasts job flexibility, career opportunities, high salaries, large bonuses and job security. More so, men are jumping into travel nursing as a way to receive all the aforementioned benefits, plus a chance to see the country.

Gary S., a telemetry RN, said those were among the reasons he became a travel nurse. “At the end of the day, I wanted to think that I did something that was productive,” said Gary, who knew he was going to travel while he was still in school. “It’s a great way to see the country and it’s a good learning experience.”

Gary wasn’t going to let the female majority keep him from working as a nurse. And his experience has been pleasant so far.

“There are some other males [on staff],” said Gary, who’s been traveling for nine months. “We are outnumbered of course, and I have no problems with that. I haven’t had any problems.” Gary added, “I think it’s a good thing to have variety. Men and women should be able to do what they want.”

But there are challenges to being a male nurse traveler, as experienced by Pat K., an OR RN.

“Males can be more outspoken and it’s easy to step on peoples toes when you say what you think,” said Pat, who currently has no other males in his unit. “And if [the staff] is predominately female, it easy to be perceived as a threat; you can experience certain hostilities.”

A way to overcome some of the challeges that arise during traveling as a male nurse is to be flexible and go with the flow, said Pat.

Pat said he’s felt the tension from the male’s side as well. “I have worked with male nurses who were territorial,” he said.

Both Pat and Gary travel with Access Nurses, a healthcare staffing agency. Access Nurses works with many male travelers, sending them to assignments all across the country. Gary likes the competitive rates he found at Access. For Pat, it’s all because of his recruiter, Jessica Nesbitt.

“Jessica is the reason I travel with Access,” said Pat. “She has my best interests at heart. I feel like I get personal service from Jessica.”

A major factor for the lack of male nurses in the field is the femininity attached to nursing.

Gary agrees that many men notice the stigma that nurses are feminine. “I think a lot of males don’t even consider [nursing as a career] due to the fact that it’s associated with women. It’s ego and what not.”

Kevin Hook, an adult and gerontology nurse practitioner, sees hope for the future growth of male nursing. “There is a push in nursing to become more diverse in general because we’re serving a population that’s more diverse,” he said.

“If you’re only aiming at 50 percent of the population, then you’re missing out on the other 50 percent who could consider nursing as a career,” said Kevin. “Any career is better served with gender balance. Patients benefit from both forms of care that women and male bring to the table.”

Kevin is heading up the “Men in Nursing: Contributions to the Health of Men and the Profession of Nursing,” 32nd Annual Conference of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing. This year’s conference will cover such topics as nurse recruitment and retention, which are crucial for both the future of the growth of male nurses and the nurse shortage.

Pat, who understands the shortage, emphasizes a key fact. “A nurse is a nurse. It’s about your patient care skills and people skills.”

City to See: Austin, Texas

Find yourself in Austin…

Appropriately named the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin has a vibrant music scene situated around several night clubs downtown and the annual South by Southwest festival.

Located on the Colorado River, Austin is mostly flat, except for scenic rolling hills on the edge of the Texas Hill Country. This area of the city boasts fantastic views. The city is also home to the scholarly University of Texas at Austin, where thousands of students study every year.

Hot Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs!

Austin, Texas
ER
Positions: Seven
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Walnut Creek, California
ED
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: October 1

Ocala, Florida
ER
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Overland Park, Kansas
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Overland Park, Kansas
ER
Positions: Two
Shift: Flexible day schedules
Start Date: ASAP

Denver, Colorado
OR
Positions: Six
Shift: Any
Start Date: ASAP

Albuquerque, New Mexico
ER
Positions: Five
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: July 30

Frisco, Colorado
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: July 23

Everett, Washington
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Nursing Site of the Week

Nurse House

For more than 75 years, Nurses House has extended short-term financial assistance to registered nurses throughout the country. Nurses House is the only national fund dedicated to helping RNs in need.

Check out the Website to learn more.

Featured Forum Topic

Advice about Per Diem vs. Traveling

I’ve been talking with a recruiter about working as a travel nurse for the first time. What’s the deal with per diem shifts? Is it really better than traveling on 13-week assignments? I’d love to hear back from those of you who’ve done both and can give me some insight. Pros/cons?

Read more/reply

Humor

What I Learned After a Hospital Stay

Trying to cover yourself with a hospital gown is like trying to make an invitation list for a wedding…

…No matter how hard you try, someone or something important is always left out.

Volume 10 Number 6 - July 5th

Stop putting your dreams of traveling the country on the backburner and saying, maybe when the kids are grown up. Have children? No problem.

Travel nursing is a career that allows nurses with wanderlust to still get out on the road, fulfill their career ambitions and bring their kids with them.

It’s become commonplace for nurses to take their families along on travel assignments. Kids of all ages can enjoy and benefit from a life on the road. A traveling lifestyle allows children to broaden their horizons, expand their worldview and see places they may not get to see otherwise.

It’s important to be prepared for traveling with the family. There are many aspects of traveling with children to consider, including housing and work shifts. Working with a recruiter at a staffing agency can help you find an assignment that accommodates your individual needs. Family-friendly living arrangements and flexible work shifts are available.

Cheneaka W., a Med/Surg RN, is traveling with her daughter, Nylah, who will be two years old next month. Being a single mom affects what Cheneaka looks for in a travel assignment. To her, proximity to home is a major factor because she has family who watches Nylah while she works night shifts at a hospital in Crisfield, Maryland.

Access Nurses, a healthcare staffing company, found her exactly what she needed.

“They were able to find an assignment close to where I live,” said Cheneaka.

By working close to home, she’s able to maintain a support group, without stifling her desire to work as a travel nurse.

Jeff Chauvapun, territory manager in the Housing Department at Access Nurses, says that the department receives several requests for traveling families, and as long as nurses express their travel needs to their recruiter, it’s easy to find them proper housing.

“Our Housing Department is one of the best because we have territory managers who take pride in the housing they chose,” he said. “[They] have a lot of personal care in finding and accommodating the special needs that a nurse might have.”

For nurses traveling with small children, it’s best to find housing with an easy commute to work. This will allow for more time to be spent with family during free time. Also, Cheneaka offers a helpful piece of advice for those traveling with young ones.

“If you are able, have a babysitter travel with you, especially if you work nights,” she said.

It’s important to plan your assignment with your family in mind. If your daughter has never seen the beautiful Pacific Ocean, look for a travel opportunity in Southern California. Or if your son wants a snow-filled holiday season, you might want to check out a state like Colorado. Consider your children’s ages, maturity, interests and, of course, your budget when trying to pick out the location that’s perfect for your kids.

If your children are older, the best time to travel is during the summer. School schedules are tough to work around, but during the summer months, there’s nothing to hold you back. Think of a travel nursing assignment as a more hands-on family trip; instead of spending a few days in a new city, you can really experience the culture and lifestyle of your surroundings during the 13-week assignment.

Be sure to research the area in which you’re traveling. Check out the city’s school district Website and visit the Chamber of Commerce for helpful tips about the area. The Chamber will have plenty of delicious restaurant suggestions and entertainment ideas to suit your interests.

Travel nursing is not just for those without kids; if you have dreams of traveling the country as a nurse and you have children, there’s an assignment waiting for you. So pack your bags and hit the road. And don’t forget the kids.

City to See: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, a city rich in Native American history and culture, is made up of different quadrants, each with unique points of interest. The northeastern and southeastern regions house the scholarly University of New Mexico. The northwest area, also known as Old Town Albuquerque, dates back to the 1700s and the popular Rio Grande Zoo is located in the southwest. The International Balloon Fiesta is a resident favorite and is the largest hot air balloon gathering in the world. Another major event is the annual Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow, a celebration of more than 500 indigenous Native American tribes.

Hot Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs!

Albuquerque, New Mexico
PACU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: September

Albuquerque, New Mexico
ER
Positions: Five
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: July 9

New Orleans, Louisiana
NICU
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Denver, Colorado
OR
Positions: Six
Shift: Any
Start Date: ASAP

Frisco, Colorado
L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: July 9

Seaford, Delaware
ER and OR
Positions: Three
Shift: Days, evenings and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Lancaster, California
OR
Positions: One
Shift: Days
Start Date: ASAP

Lancaster, California
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Nationwide
Chronic & Acute Dialysis
Positions: One
Shift: Days
Start Date: ASAP

Overland Park, Kansas
NICU
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Overland Park, Kansas
ER
Positions: Two
Shift: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. of flex schedule
Start Date: ASAP

Independence, Missouri
Mother-Baby
Positions: One
Shift: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Battlecreek, Michigan
ER
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Memphis, Tennessee
L&D
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Nursing Site of the Week

Nurse Traveler

Created by a travel nurse, this site is perfect for nurses on the move. Get great traveling tips and useful information to make life on the road that much easier.

Featured Forum Topic

Agency Advice

I’ve been working days at a hospital in San Fran for the last couple years, but I’ve decided to try travel nursing. I’ve been researching agencies to go with and I’m having trouble picking one. Any advice?

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Humor

Good Bedside Manners…

That’s when a doctor can stifle a laugh even after he/she has seen you naked.