Volume 11 Number 9 - September 28th

Courtney A. sightseeing along the Chicago River while on her first travel assignment.

After a childhood friend was diagnosed with cancer, Courtney A. made a significant career decision at a young age; she promised to become a nurse.

While the illness ended in tragedy at the local children’s oncology hospital in Memphis, his family shared extremely positive stories about the hospital and staff. As a result, Courtney was inspired and determined to work there as a nurse someday.

“After he passed away, I promised his family that I would work there to help make a difference in kids’ lives that are also striving to conquer such devastating illnesses,” said Courtney, now 26 years old.

And she has fulfilled that promise for more than two years, working as both a med surg and PICU oncology RN.

In May of this year, Courtney decided to take her passion and talents on the road and become a travel nurse.

“I have always wanted to try it and finally decided that now is the perfect time [to travel] especially since I’m young and single,” said Courtney.

Her first assignment took her to the big city of Chicago, Illinois. Though it took her a couple weeks to get acquainted with the city, Courtney said she feels like a local now.

“I visited Chicago a few years ago and knew then that I wanted to live here one day,” she said. “I love [the city] so much I’m having a hard time leaving.” Courtney decided to extend her assignment for another six weeks.

“I really liked the hospital so I started a new contract in a different unit,” said Courtney, who began the travel assignment in the pediatrics unit. “I work in the float pool [now]. I love that each day will be different.”

Her manager and staff have made working away from the Memphis hospital very satisfying.

“Everyone is so nice and helpful,” she said. “I was nervous about how they were going to accept me and treat me since I’m the ‘traveler,’ but I have realized that they are overall very happy to have help during some of their shortages. The manager was always willing to accommodate me and always checked in to see how I was doing. She has a very good rapport with her staff and was always available.”

Courtney chose Access Nurses to be her travel nursing agency, and she couldn’t be happier.

“Sarah is the absolute best recruiter,” she said. “I talked to her the year before I decided to travel and I knew right away that she was someone I could trust and rely on to make it a great experience. She was the first person I called when I decided to make the career change.”

Her recruiter also introduced Courtney to another Access Nurses RN who lived in her building in Chicago, who showed her around the city and introduced her to people and helped make her adjustment to the city easier.

With all of her expectations about travel nursing exceeded, Courtney feels nothing but satisfaction about her decision to travel and keep the promise she made many years ago.

“I have had the best experience,” she said. “There has not been one moment of regret.”

City to See: Portland, Oregon

When you visit Portland, you’ll immediately be welcome with the fragrant smell of rose gardens located all around the city. The most prominent garden is the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park (which is also home to the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Japanese Garden). Portland has been recognized for its arts scene and growing restaurant scene. Notable establishments include the Oregon Ballet Theatre and the Portland Art Museum. Downtown Portland has numerous fabulous restaurants offering a variety of cuisine. Plus, the city has more breweries than any other city in the world.
Weather: High: 63, Low: 47
Population: 562,690
Nearby Cities: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Lake Oswego

Hot Jobs

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

Portland, Oregon
All specialties
Positions: 25+
Shift: All shifts
Start Date: Late January/early February

Bakersfield, California
NICU
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Dallas, Texas
SICU
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

New Orleans, Louisiana
Abdominal Transplant
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Oaklawn, Illinois
Med Surg, SICU and ICU
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Columbia, Missouri
OR, SICU, PACU and Burn ICU
Positions: Many
Shift: 8 or 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

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

Redding, California
Ortho / Med Surg
Positions: Six
Shift: Two days, four nights
Start Date: ASAP

Santa Barbara, California
Med Surg
Positions: Three
Shift: Nights float pool
Start Date: ASAP

Anchorage, Alaska
ICU
Positions: Six
Shift: Days and nights rotation
Start Date: ASAP

Venice, Florida
ICU
Positions: Three
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

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

Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Seattle, Washington
Psych
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Dallas, Texas
Ortho / Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: Days
Start Date: ASAP

Cheektowaga, New York
Open Heart OR
Positions: One
Shift: 8 or 10-hour days and evenings
Start Date: ASAP

Bellflower, California
ER
Positions: 19
Shift: All shifts, 12-hour
Start Date: November and December

Featured Forum Topic

Need help before my first assignment

I’m very new to this field as a matter of fact have yet to sign on or take an assignment. I’m currently in Virginia and looking at maybe Texas or Florida. Anyone with advice to offer me regarding questions to ask, hidden fees, travel buddies, etc.? Would really like to chat with someone with some experience in this area.

Read more/reply

Humor

A Dose of Crazy

A Psychiatrist is making his rounds on a hospital unit.

He enters a patient room.

Patient #1 is pretending to saw a piece of wood and Patient #2 is hanging upside down from the ceiling.

“What are you guys doing?” asked the doctor.

Patient #1 said: “Can’t you see I am sawing some wood?” He then added: “And my friend is slightly crazy. He seems to think he is a light bulb.”

The doctor responded: “If he is your friend, don’t you think you should get him down from there before he hurts himself?”

Patient #1 looked up and said: “What?!…And work in the dark?”

Volume 11 Number 8 - September 21st

photo courtesy of www.health.nsw.gov

As a nurse, you spend all your time monitoring and managing the health of others. But what happens when your work responsibilities get in the way of your ability to maintain your own health and well-being? That’s when stress creeps up and takes over.

It can be difficult to define stress; you just know it when you feel it. Stress is among the most common workplace hazards for nurses, according to NSW Nurses Association. It can make you forgetful, impatient and angry, which can lead to other safety hazards on the job.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress:

Psychological: Tiredness, fatigue and restless sleeping habits; irritability and impatience; frequent worry and anxiety; and moodiness and sadness.
Physical: Increased blood pressure, tension (often felt in the neck, shoulders, back and head); loss of appetite or overeating; and upset stomach.

All nurses need to embrace emotional well-being, and consider it integral to a healthy daily work routine. Though it’s not possible to avoid work-related stress, there are efficient steps you can take to help alleviate, cope and move on before it takes over and negatively affects your life.

Here are some helpful tips:

1.Take deep breaths. Stop what you are doing and compose yourself. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. The steady pace will force your mind to relax and focus on the breathing rather than your stressful situation.
2. Get away. Find a quiet place to sit down and gather your thoughts. Go outside or find an empty room - anywhere free from distraction. Relax your muscles to ease the tension. Close your eyes and try to drown out the worries of the job.
3. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Try to keep the situation in perspective. Everything isn’t always going wrong; it’s just one bad day. Remind yourself that tomorrow will be better.
4. Communicate with your supervisor. Notify him/her of the frustrations you’re experiencing. It may be something that can be easily fixed once brought to the management’s attention. It’s important for supervisors to be aware of problems, so they can better manage and ensure the well-being of their staff.
5. Share your worries with friends and family. It’s also helpful to express your feelings to people outside of work. Often times, these are the people who know you best and will listen with care and compassion. They may not be able to solve whatever stress or frustration you have, but they will most likely know how to get you out of the funk better than a boss.
6. Do something fun. De-stress after work by engaging in a non work-related activity. Practice your favorite sport, join a club or hang out with friends. Just make sure that your conversation doesn’t revolve around your stressful day at work.
7. Set realistic goals for yourself. Are you putting too much pressure on yourself and that’s what is causing the stress? Know your physical and emotional limitations and when to delegate responsibility.
8. Exercise regularly and eat healthy. Believe it or not, but a healthy body increases your ability to have a healthy outlook on life. Pack a well-balanced meal and take the time to sit down and enjoy it. Plus, bring nutritious, on-the-go snacks that’ll help give you a boost during your shift. If possible, go for a brisk walk around your facility. It’ll give you some fresh air, a bit of exercise and a chance to blow off some steam.
9. Practice relaxation techniques. There are plenty of books about doing yoga at work. You can practice breathing techniques, stretches and even positions throughout your work day. If you don’t feel like working out, then just enjoy your lunch break. Sit and eat and allow yourself a stress break.
10. Take time off. If the stress is just too much to handle, ask for some time off. You can always make up the shift another time. Your health is the most important thing. When you’re well, you’ll be better equipped to care for your patients effectively.

City to See: San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is most famous for the Alamo, the missions of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and River Walk, a beautiful scenic walkway lined with shops and restaurants in downtown. The city also houses 10 museums, four performing art venues and a thriving nightlife. Taste the culture of the city when you try the world famous Tex-Mex cuisine at many restaurants throughout the city.
Weather: High: 80, Low: 58
Population: 1,256,509
Nearby Cities: Austin, Corpus Christi, Laredo

Hot Jobs

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

San Antonio, Texas
ICU and CCU
Positions: Eight
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

New Orleans, Louisiana
Telemetry
Positions: 10
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Everett, Washington
Med Surg Float
Positions: One
Shift: 8 and 12-hour variable
Start Date: ASAP

Orange, California
Peds
Positions: Five
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: November 12

Manhassett, New York
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour variable
Start Date: ASAP

Harbor City, California
Med Surg
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP or October 22

Oak Lawn, Illinois
Med Surg, SICU and ICU
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP or October 1

Columbia, Missouri
OR, SICU, PACU and Burn ICU
Shift: 8 or 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

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

Santa Barbara, California
NICU
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: September 24

Templeton, California
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: October 12 and November 6

Featured Forum Topic

Best Specialities for Travel Nursing

I’m an Emergency Room nurse in Michigan. In the next year or two I’m thinking about buying an RV and doing some Travel Nursing around the country. However, because of chronic staffing shortages in ER, I’m thinking about switching to another specialty that might not so stressful as I travel from hospital to hospital. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Read more/reply

Volume 11 Number 7 - September 14th

When nursing becomes a job more than a passion, it’s time to reevaluate.

According to a study in the American Journal of Nursing concerning nurse satisfaction on the job, “more than one-third of respondents in the study reported that they intend to search for a new position in one year, but not necessarily outside of nursing.” The study, by Carol S. Brewer of the University of Buffalo and Christine T. Kovner of New York University, surveyed the work experience of nurses from 35 states who obtained their first license from August 1, 2004 to July 31, 2005 and had been employed for up to 18 months.

This means that new nurses are feeling restless and unsatisfied after just a year of working in the field, but still don’t want to leave the nursing profession. This is a relief considering the nursing shortage has yet to diminish, but there is still cause for concern when nurses lack passion at work after such a short time.

Taking a chance in your career and starting a new life experience by adventuring out into a new location may be the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. For many RNs, travel nursing is the perfect agent of change that allows you to rediscover why you love nursing. Travel nursing also offers an opportunity to take a leadership position where you control and customize assignments according to your lifestyle and needs. Access Nurses in particular is a leading staffing company that takes pride in helping you make the leap into travel nursing. Access Nurses takes care of all the details so you can have a stree-free transition into your travel nursing adventure.

Regardless of your situation, it’s good to evaluate your life and decide if you need to refresh your career before you get too comfortable, or worse, bored. By adjusting your locations, facilities and maybe even specialty, you’re opening yourself up to an exciting change and chance for adventure and rejuvenation.

Nursing Career Guide Checklist

1. Evaluate your career every year. What have you learned? Have you grown professionally and/or personally because of work? Or are you stuck in a monotonous routine? Decide if now is the right time for you to travel.
2. Be clear about your criteria. Are you prepared to apply for something outside your comfort zone? A career in travel nursing requires a level of flexibility and an easy going personality, so be sure youre ready for the change.
3. Talk to other nurses. Ask travel nurses about their experiences. Listen to their stories about where they have gone, what they have learned, and how they stay motivated as a travel nurse.
4. Think about where else your skills can be utilized. You may have worked in Med Surg for years, but maybe you miss the L&D unit. Why not take an assignment in a different specialty? It could mean a boost in pay, better hours or other opportunities.
5. Be ready to apply when opportunity presents itself. Talk to a recruiter at a travel company about what youre looking for and let them do the searching for you. Keep your eyes and ears open about travel positions and new job opportunities, just in case your ideal position is rare.

City to See: Seattle, Washington

Snuggled between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington is the city of Seattle, Washington, nicknamed “Emerald City” because of the lush Evergreen trees that surround the area. It’s not only the state’s largest city, but it’s the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, which means plenty of activities and entertainment. No trip to Seattle is complete without a trip to the Space Needle, a prominent symbol of the Seattle skyline; Pike Place Market, a smorgasbord of local venders selling food, crafts, knick knacks and jewelry; and one of the countless cafes around the city.
Weather: High: 60, Low: 46
Population: 578,700
Nearby Cities: Bellevue, Renton, Redmond

Hot Jobs

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

Seattle, Washington
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: September 16

Seattle, Washington
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: September 16

Columbus, Ohio
Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Altamonte Springs, Florida
SDU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: October 1

Sacramento, California
Peds Oncology
Positions: Six
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: November 5

Las Vegas, Nevada
Med Surg
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: September 24

Thornton, Colorado
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: September 17

Bakersfield, California
Psych ER
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Clackamas, Oregon
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour variable
Start Date: ASAP

Palo Alto, California
Peds Oncology/BMT
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights rotation
Start Date: ASAP

Palo Alto, California
Peds Solid Organ Trans/Post ICU
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour days and nights rotation
Start Date: ASAP

Palo Alto, California
Post Partum
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights rotation
Start Date: ASAP

Oak Lawn, Illinois
Med Surg, SICU and ICU
Positions: Six
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: September 17 or October 1

Omaha, Nebraska
Tele
Positions: Eight
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Columbia, Missouri
OR, SICU, PACU and Burn ICU
Shift: 8 or 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Hobbs, New Mexico
OR
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days with rotating call
Start Date: September 17

Denver, Colorado
NICU and L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Featured Forum Topic

Brand New Nurse Seeking Advice

I’m very new to this field…as a matter of fact, have yet to sign on or take an assignment. I’m currently in Virginia and looking at maybe Texas or Florida.

Anyone with advice to offer me regarding questions to ask, staffing agencies, hidden fees, travel buddies, etc.?

Would really like to chat with someone with some experience in this area.

Read more/reply

Humor

Not All There

John: “Doctor, lately I hear only half as good as I’m suppose to.”

Doctor: “I don’t understand that, but let’s try a small test. Say after me: eighty-eight.”

John: “Fourty-four.”

Volume 11 Number 6 - September 7th

Working as a nurse means you’re always on the go. As a travel nurse relocating to a new city every few months, your life is even more hectic. Maintaining healthy habits is possible - even amid the long hours, new work environment and unfamiliar city. Learn tips on how to improve and/or continue a health-conscious lifestyle while on assignment.

Explore Some Healthy Resources

It’s important to explore your new city for the best health food stores and fitness centers. See where your favorite health shops and sports clubs are located, plus check out new places that are in the area.

Every city has its own smaller, community stores that offer a variety of fresher food choices. If you enjoy organic or soy products, this is often the best place to find them at reasonable prices. Another great outlet is going to the local farmer’s market, where you can find anything from exotic food to fresh flowers to homemade crafts. Look online to find out more information on the farmer’s markets in your city.

Finding a gym is easy if you belong to one of the nationally-owned companies. But, if you don’t have a membership and don’t want to pay to get one for the short 13-week assignment, it’s still easy to maintain an exercise routine.

Ask your coworkers. After all, they are familiar with the city and can help you locate great parks and recreation facilities. Find out if there are great hiking and biking trails nearby or maybe a rock climbing gym. Local running or cross-training groups can also be an excellent place to meet locals and new workout partners. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a fun activity so you’re more likely to stick with it.

Exercise at Work

Finding an exercise routine can be tough when you work long hours as a nurse. That’s why it’s important to find small ways to get in a workout throughout your work schedule. Remember: Small changes make a big difference.

1. Tighten your abs. Flex your abs while doing everyday activities, like walking to see a patient, standing talking to a coworker or sitting filling out charts. Be sure to breathe normally. You’ll start noticing firmer abs and better posture.
2. Get your heart rate up. Take the stairs and incorporate a few brisk walks into your work hours. It’s a great way to de-stress and get in some cardio.
3. Improve your posture. Be aware of when you’re slouching at work. Hold your shoulders back and walk with your head up, while engaging your abs. Not only will you improve your posture, but it’s another way to work your abs.
4. Strengthen your calves. Calf raises may make you look a little silly, but your leg muscles will thank you. Simply raise your calves and squeeze the muscles tightly. Repeat several times or until tired.

Drop the Bad Habits

Old habits may die hard, but it’s always good when you finally kick them to the curb. The best way to get a jump start on a healthy lifestyle is to eliminate or cut back on bad or unhealthy choices.

1. Quit smoking. There’s no better time than the present to stop smoking. By quitting today, you’re lowering your risk for heart disease, a variety of cancers and many other illnesses. Plus, you’ll have more energy and lung capacity to push yourself further in your workouts.
2. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is wasted calories, plus binge drinking is harmful for your liver, brain and overall health. Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume to a glass of red wine with dinner.
3. Cut back on caffeine. You work long hours, so naturally you’ll need a pick-me-up from time to time. Try substituting that third cup of coffee or cappuccino for green or black tea. The antioxidants in tea are much healthier than the caffeine-filled java.
4. Drink more water. Substitute water for juice, soda and coffee. Water is much healthier and refreshing. Also, thirst is often times mistaken for hunger. Drink a glass of water first and wait 20 minutes. If you’re still hungry, then eat something.
5. Kick the fast food. Goodbye to grease! Fast food is loaded with fat and sugar; so before you hit the drive-thru, stop by a quick mart and get some nuts, yogurt or protein bars.

Healthy Eating Tips

Whether you’re eating in or out, it is possible to make healthy food choices. This is another tip that will work best by seeking the help of others. Ask around for quality restaurants in your area, and be sure to inquire about the food selection and preparation.

When you’re on the clock, the best food choice you can have is what you bring from home. By packing your own meals, you can avoid the fatty and sugary snacks and cafeteria food. Health magazines and online sources give great snack and meal ideas, depending on your preference, diet and allergies. Bring several small meals to eat throughout the day to help increase your metabolism and keep your energy high. Plus, buying groceries for the week instead of eating out all the time is a great way to save money.

City to See: Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, located on the eastern border of the state, hugs the Missouri River and makes the city prime for lakefront activities and water sports like fishing, hiking and camping. Downtown Omaha has an impressive skyline and houses the headquarters of several major corporations. Also downtown are such cultural highlights as the Joslyn Art Museum, the Holland Performing Arts Center and the Omaha Community Playhouse (the largest, and also one of the most famous and best-endowed community theaters in the nation).
Weather: High: 62, Low: 40
Population: 424,988
Nearby Cities: La Vista, Bellevue, Valley

Hot Jobs

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

Omaha, Nebraska
Tele
Positions: Eight
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Columbia, Missouri
OR, SICU, PACU and Burn ICU
Shift: 8 or 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Denver, Colorado
ICU, NICU and L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Santa Fe, New Mexico
ICU and L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: Rotating
Start Date: ASAP

Lafayette, Colorado
PACU
Positions: Two
Shift: 10-hour evenings
Start Date: ASAP

Round Rock, Texas
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Daly City, California
ICU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Cincinnati, Ohio
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP

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

Arroyo Grande, California
Med Surg/Tele
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

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

Santa Barbara, California
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: Days and nights rotation
Start Date: September or October

Redding, California
OR
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Anchorage, Alaska
CVSU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: September 10

St. Petersburg, Florida
ICU
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: December 16

Featured Forum Topic

Traveling Taxes

I have been talking to several travel companies. Some mention tax free monies. I do not understand this. What is this? What is your experience with this. Thanks.

Read more/reply

Humor

Embarrassing Medical Moments: 4 of 8

During a patient’s two week follow-up appointment with his cardiologist, he informed me, his doctor, that he was having trouble with one of his medications.

“Which one?” I asked.

“The patch,” he said. “The nurse told me to put on a new one every six hours and now I’m running out of places to put it!”

I had him quickly undress and discovered what I hoped I wouldn’t see. Yes, the man had more than fifty patches on his body! Now, the instructions include removal of the old patch before applying a new one.

Submitted by Dr. R. St. Clair, Norfolk, VA