Volume 13 Number 7 - January 25th

The interview process at a new facility can make even an experienced travel nurse nervous, not to mention a first time traveler. It’s important to remember that you’re the interviewer as well as the interviewee. The interview is as much about you gathering information about the facility and gauging whether it’s a good fit for you as it is about the hospital examining you and deciding whether you’d be a good addition to the staff.

Based on the experiences of hundreds of nurses, we’ve put together a list of the top questions and inquiries you should know for hospital interviews so you’re thoroughly prepared.

Unit:

1. How many beds?
2. What is the patient acuity level on the unit normally?
3. Is the nursing care delivered by primary, team, or a combination of both?
4. What medication delivery system does the facility use? Hospitals and healthcare services delivery vary from region to region across the country.
5. Is the patient documentation system electronic or manual?

Orientation:

1. How long is orientation? You should expect to receive one to three days of orientation in order to review all the aspects of the facility and procedure.
2. What will be covered during orientation? Orientation should cover the hospital’s and the nursing department’s Policy and Procedure manual - a how-to guide that covers everything from ordering supplies to handling a patient death.
3. Is there a Nursing Education department? Are they involved in the orientation process?

Shift:

1. Confirm your shift. 8-hour days? 12-hour nights?
2. What are the weekend coverage expectations? Be clear about what you want.
3. Ask if there is anyone who can change the agreed upon shift without your knowledge.
4. What is the float philosophy/policy? Express to the interviewer your comfort level with floating to units of like competency.
5. What are the expectations of travelers when patient census is low?

Management:

1. What is the nursing management structure?
2. Who can you go to if you have questions?
3. If you are expected to do “charge,” is there any training provided?

Staff:

1. Are there permanent staff members who’ve worked on the unit for awhile? If the unit has a high turnover rate, that may be an indication of frequent change and that your resources may be limited. Are you a “change master”?
2. Is the staff travel nurse friendly? Are they used to working well with travelers?
3. What is the culture of nurse-physician relationships on the unit? Are the physicians helpful in increasing nurse knowledge?

It is very important that you take the time to review all of the answers you receive. Applying good critical thinking to your decision is a smart way to get your travel nurse experience off to a good start. A great interview is the beginning of a great travel nursing assignment.

Step in on Step-Down

Go inside the step-down unit at a hospital and meet a woman who went from being a clerk to being in charge of critical care.

The LifeBed

It’s the bed of the future - an early warning system that automatically monitors a patient’s vital signs while they rest. Get a look at all of the state-of-the-art features of the LifeBed.

Syracuse, New York

Syracuse is a lovely upstate city in New York, most notable as the location of Syracuse University, a major research university in the country. The city is also overflowing with luscious greenery in more than 1,000 acres of parks and recreational areas. These areas are great for running, biking and skating. Be sure to head indoors to one of many art galleries and museums throughout the city.
Weather: High: 57, Low: 38
Population: 147,306
Nearby Cities: Auburn, Oneda, Fulton

Hot Jobs

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

Syracuse, New York
L&D and Post Partum
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Boston, Massachusetts
Chemo Infusion
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Lake Forest, Illinois
OR-circ, PACU and Day Surgery
Positions: Five
Shift: Flexible days
Start Date: ASAP

Bel Air, Maryland
ICU
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Cincinnati, Ohio
L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: Days or nights
Start Date: ASAP

Las Cruces, New Mexico
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: Days
Start Date: February 11

Kansas City, Missouri
NICU
Positions: Four
Shift: Flexible
Start Date: ASAP

Denver, Colorado
OR
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour weekdays
Start Date: ASAP

Mountain View, California
OR
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: February 1

Carmichael, California
Surgical
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour evenings
Start Date: February 4

Lebanon, New Hampshire
NICU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour rotation
Start Date: February 11

Walnut Creek, California
OR
Positions: Four
Shift: Days and evenings
Start Date: ASAP

Augusta, Georgia
CCU
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Peds
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Las Vegas, Nevada
ICU
Positions: One
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Arroyo Grande, California
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Featured Forum Topic

Traveling with a Spouse

My husband - who is a nurse - and I are both very excited about beginning travel nursing around this time next year. Here is the thing: I am not a nurse! So…here are my questions:

1. Any suggestions on how I might find a job during our various stops? (We hope to do eight 13-week contracts.) I definitely do not want a two-year gap on my resume.

2. Has anyone else brought a spouse or partner along? If so, what did they do while you were working?

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Humor

Top 5 Ways You Know it Will be a Bad Shift

1. The previous shift tells you, “Things have been quiet.”

2. Your phone rings four hours before your shift and they beg you to come in early.

3. While driving to work, every radio station is playing “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

4. The nurse about to give you report looks up from her notes and asks, “How many R’s in diarrhea?”

5. There’s no fresh coffee in the break room.

Volume 13 Number 6 - January 18th

There are as many reasons to hit the road as a travel nurse as there are nurses. Each travel nurse assignment offers the opportunity to experience a new culture, see a new city and try new activities. The only thing you’ll worry about is how to fit it all in.

To ensure you get the most out of your traveling nurse assignments this year, make a game plan. Decide what else you want to gain from your assignment in addition to an advanced nursing career. You can plan your assignments so they coincide with what you want to achieve - whether it’s experiencing big city culture, seeing the changing seasons and more.

Here are some ways to choose your assignments this year:

1. Experience the Best of the Seasons

Your travel nurse assignment can change with the seasons. No matter what time of year you begin, just start with a location where you can experience the best of that particular season.

Best Travel Nurse Destinations for Winter: Colorado
With crisp, snowy weather, Colorado is the best place to be this winter. It has some of the top ski/snowboard resorts in the country, including Aspen and Vail. Plus, Colorado Springs and Breckenridge are both thriving communities with tons of sights and attractions.

Best Travel Nurse Destinations for Spring: Arizona
If you want to experience the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, just step outside in springtime in Arizona. The southwestern state has an earth-toned glow everywhere from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. Also, the mild, pleasant climate is the best part about spring Arizona.

Best Travel Nurse Destinations for Summer: California
California is the perfect summertime setting - with sparkling beaches, sunny weather, lively entertainment and dynamic attractions. No matter where you are in the state, summer brings gorgeous weather and tons of activities.

Best Travel Nurse Destinations for Fall: Virginia
You won’t find more stunning autumn foliage than in the New England state of Virginia. Watch the dramatic color changes of the trees as they turn a deep fall hue and make the surroundings feel like a warm and inviting blanket. Plus, when the leaves form piles on the ground, you’ll want to jump into them like when you were a kid.

2. Embrace Big City Culture

Best Travel Nurse Destinations: Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City

Think all big cities are the same? Think again. The largest cities in the country - Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City - each has a unique culture, vibe and draw for travelers. Make it your goal to see them all. With countless sights, nightlife entertainment and cuisine, you’ll never be without something to do. So break away from smaller, communities this year and head for the bright lights of the big cities.

3. See the Four Corners of the Country

Best Travel Nurse Destinations: Washington, California, Florida, Massachusetts

Get a different perspective every time you take a new travel nurse assignment. By hitting the four corners of the country in Washington, California, Florida and Massachusetts, you’ll experience new weather, personalities and lifestyles during each assignment. Each location will offers variety, which will help keep your travel nurse career exciting and vivacious.

4. Follow your Other Passions

Best Travel Nurse Destination: Wherever your passions lead you

As a travel nurse, you’re already satisfying one of your passions, but what about your other interests? With the flexible schedules and high pay rates that come along with travel nursing, you’ll have more opportunities for engaging in hobbies. If you’re a sports fans, you can arrange your assignments so they coincide with the different sports season - baseball spring training, summer PGA tour and fall football season. For the nature lover in you, plan your assignments so you can visit the top national parks and reserves across the country.

5. Find a New Community to Call Home

Best Travel Nurse Destinations: Seattle, Boston, San Diego

Travel nursing is a career that encourages exploring the country. It’s a wonderful way to expose your children to different cultures and experiences. After all, it’s not just a weekend getaway; you have the chance to be immersed in a variety of lifestyles. And with exploration, you’re bound to find a city you want to call your new home. From exciting sporting events to beautiful weather and outdoor activities - Seattle, Boston and San Diego are sure to meet all your needs when the time comes to settle down.

NurseTV is on MySpace!

Check out NurseTV’s profile and add NurseTV to your friend list. Be sure to spread the word about NurseTV to all of your friends and group networks!

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is one of New Mexico’s largest cities - full of beauty and wonder. The city is known for its stunning architecture and multi-cultural influences. Be sure to admire the historic building designs in the Capitol Building, the San Miguel Mission and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. With warm summers and mild winters, it’s a great place to visit year round. If you’re an art lover, look no further than Canyon Road. It has a large collection of art galleries, and it’s a major tourist attraction. The art market in Santa Fe is the third largest in the country (after New York and Los Angeles).
Weather: High: 65, Low: 34
Population: 72,056
Nearby Cities: Los Alamos, Pecos, Taos

Hot Jobs

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

Santa Fe, New Mexico
ICU
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

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

Boston, Massachusetts
Chemo Infusion
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Med Surg, Tele and ICU
Positions: Six
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Lake Forest, Illinois
OR-circ, PACU and Day Surgery
Positions: Five
Shift: Flexible days
Start Date: ASAP

Bremerton, Washington
PCU
Positions: One
Shift: Days
Start Date: ASAP

Portland, Oregon
Critical Care Float Pool
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Lebanon, New Hampshire
OR
Positions: Eight
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Santa Clara, California
CVICU
Positions: 14
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: February 24

Pomona, California
NICU
Positions: Two
Shift: Days
Start Date: ASAP

Santa Barbara, California
CVICU
Positions: Four
Shift: Days and nights rotation
Start Date: January 28 or February 11

Tallahassee, Florida
Med Surg, Tele
Positions: 14
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: February 4

Thornton, Colorado
Cath Lab
Positions: One
Shift: Variable day shift with on-call
Start Date: ASAP

Riverside, California
L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Oxnard, California
Med Surg
Positions: Three
Shift: Two days, one night
Start Date: ASAP

Hays, Kansas
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: Flexible
Start Date: January 21

Featured Forum Topic

Nurse and a Mom?

I need some advice. I stopped going to community college about five years ago. I left with my AS degree and had about three more classes to attend before I could apply for the nursing program. I got married and had twho children. Right now I’m in a position in my life where I think I want to go back to school but I’m scared because it’s been so long. Do you think I will have to or should I retake classes?

Also, I want to be able to still be involved in my childrens lives. If I were to become a nurse would I have the time or energy to still do things like my son’s baseball games, etc.?

Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

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Volume 13 Number 5 - January 11th

The stories of adventure and discovery from Access Nurses traveling RNs are endless. For some nurses, 2007 marked the beginning of their travel nursing career, while others continued their fulfilling travel nurse lifestyles in a new location. From coast to coast, the results were the same: 2007 was an amazing year for travel nurses!

Listen to these nurses’ tales while on assignment and learn about how you can partake in the fun and excitement!

Starting a New Life Chapter in Colorado
Name: Kelly B., RN
“This photo was taken the weekend before I began my first traveling assignment in Breckenridge, Colorado. It’s one of my favorites, because it reminds me of the decision I made to leave the comfort of my first nursing job after college and become a traveling nurse. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I was having fun so far. This was my first time snowboarding at such a high altitude. I remember feeling dizzy, but excited about living in Colorado and starting a new chapter in my life.”
Learn more about travel nurse assignments in Colorado!

Escaping the Winter Cold in San Diego
Name: Anne C., RN
“I am working at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, CA. My boyfriend and I, both Colorado natives, came out here in October to escape the Colorado winter. Wow, have we loved this experience! We’ve gone to the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, the aquarium, SeaWorld, several state parks, tide pools and just about every beach between Laguna Beach and south of San Diego! We’ve seen seals, otters and dolphins. On my patio, I’ve got a pot with petunias blooming in December! We love talking to family at home and hearing them talking about snow and below-zero temperatures as we drive to the beach. This has been an amazing adventure!”
Learn more about travel nurse assignments in Southern California!

Fun and Adventure at Nearly 10,000 Feet!
Name: Stephen D., RN
“Ahh…9,624 feet above sea level! This picture was taken along the side of the road on the way up and over Sonora Pass while I was on assignment at Tuolumne General Hospital. TGH was built during the Gold Rush, and I was on the last official night shift prior to closing the hospital for good. I met a great group of people on this assignment and had a great experience!”
Learn more about travel nurse assignments in Northern California!

Loving the Culture and Entertainment in Chicago
Name: Lindsay P., RN
“I’m currently on a travel nurse assignment in Chicago, working at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center in the Med Surg/Oncology unit. Chicago is an amazing city with so much to do and so much culture. I’ve been to the Navy Pier, Museum of Science and Industry, Cubs baseball games and many good restaurants and clubs. Here and I am with a friend outside the Shedd Aquarium, which is right on the lake. I think it is one of the best views of the city.”
Learn more about travel nurse assignments in Chicago!

Seeing it All in the Big Apple
Name: Josh S., RN
“I’m currently working as a travel nurse in Manhattan, New York. My assignment is at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in the ICU. I’ve seen it all in the Big Apple: Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway shows, Central Park, Little Italy, Chinatown, Rockefeller Plaza and the Empire State Building just to name a few! Here I am standing on the Brooklyn Bridge with the Financial District in the background. I’ve really loved the whole experience. New York is wonderful, and the facility I’m working at is fantastic!”
Learn more about travel nurse assignments in New York!

To read more stories from travel nurses on assignment with Access Nurses, click here.

The Floating RN

A former travel nurse finds the variety of traveling without having to go anywhere. See why float pool nursing can satisfy even the most restless RN.
WATCH IT NOW!

Anchorage, Alaska

Surrounded by some of the most beautiful, natural wildness in the country, Anchorage stands out as Alaska’s largest city (most of the state’s population resides here). The city has great sights for travelers of all ages and lifestyles. Be sure to see the Alaska Botanical Garden, the Alaska Zoo or one of the several museums in the city to soak up some history and culture. A trip to the Alaska Experience IMAX Theater is an absolute must! For the more hands-on adventure, just head a mile or two outside the city 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
OR, CCL, ICU and PCU
Positions: One
Shift: All
Start Date: ASAP

Seattle, Washington
OB Float Pool
Positions: Four
Shift: One day, three nights
Start Date: ASAP

Bel Air, Maryland
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Indio, California
ER
Positions: Four
Shift: All
Start Date: ASAP

Santa Barbara, California
PICU
Positions: One
Shift: Days
Start Date: January 28

Salinas, California
CCU and ICU
Positions: Three
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Overland Park, Kansas
Tele and Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Las Vegas, Nevada
Cardiac Step-down
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: January 21

Macon, Georgia
ICU
Positions: Two
Shift:
Start Date: ASAP

Los Angeles, California
CCU and ICU
Positions: Four
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Walnut Creek, California
OR
Positions: Six
Shift: Days and evenings
Start Date: ASAP

Boston, Massachusetts
Chemo Infusion
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Med Surg, Tele, ICU and PICU
Positions: Six
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tele
Positions: Four
Shift: Two days, two nights
Start Date: ASAP

Fort Myers, Florida
Oncology
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Wheatland, Wyoming
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Nursing Site of the Week

NurseTV is on MySpace!

Check out NurseTV’s profile and add NurseTV to your friend list. Be sure to spread the word about NurseTV to all of your friends and group networks!

www.myspace.com/nursetv

Featured Forum Topic

Traveling Together

I have been out of the travel game for a while now, and I am looking to go to California and/or other places out west. I will be traveling with a friend of mine who is also a RN. We were just wondering how hard it was to work as a “tag team” in these areas. We work Med-Surg and would like to work the same floor and the same schedule. If anyone has any input on this please let me know.

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Humor

Nurse, nurse, my little boy’s swallowed a bullet. What should I do?

Well, for a start, don’t point him at me!

Volume 13 Number 4 - January 4th

With every New Year comes unlimited possibility…So bring on 2008! For travel nurses, the beginning of each year is the perfect time to assess the previous year. What was your best assignment? Where do you want to travel next? How are you going to make 2008 an even better year for personal growth and your travel nursing career? Or maybe, this is the year you decide to travel for the first time. Whatever the case may be, 2008 is sure to deliver some amazing adventures and moments for you as a travel nurse.

Here are some New Year’s resolutions that are sure to help you with a truly rewarding and successful year in travel nursing.

1. Learn how to delegate responsibility and set realistic goals. From caring for patients and doing charts to working with colleagues and dealing with family members, there are plenty of tasks to juggle during every shift as a nurse. It’s tough to acknowledge when you need some help. By multi-tasking beyond your limitations, you’re bound to feel burned out sooner rather than later - which is already a risk for nurses. This is why it’s important to pace yourself with your daily nursing tasks and to delegate responsibilities when necessary. Aim high, but be realistic when setting goals for yourself on the job. You’ll feel more accomplished and less stressed.

2. Learn something new. Whether it’s travel nursing-related or just for fun, try a new activity or take up a hobby this year. You’ll expand your skills and add a new dimension of interest to your life, which is important for achieving a healthy balance in life. As a travel nurse, this is an especially good idea if you’re in a new city. Joining community groups and organizations is a great way to meet friends.

3. Give something back to your community. There are tons of worthy organization dedicated to making a difference in the community. Make a resolution to find a cause that matters to you, and give what you can - whether through a donation or a part-time volunteer position when you’re not at your nursing job. It’s good for you and the community: a win-win situation.

4. Plan to make it a growth-based year. Planning is crucial if you want to achieve growth at work. Ask yourself how you can improve in your nursing job in the New Year. Talk to your charge nurse and/or recruiter about what worked and what didn’t work in 2007, and create a plan of action to helping you become a better and happier travel nurse. Not only will this help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track, but you’ll feel more focused and relaxed.

5. Put time for you on your calendar. Don’t forget to save time for yourself every week - if not every day. One of the worst mistakes travel nurses can make this year is filling the calendar with all work and no play. Your body and mind need time to refresh and recharge. A non-stop lifestyle, with no time to rest is a recipe for physical and mental disaster. Plus, as a travel nurse, think of your time away from the hospital as a vacation. Take advantage of your new city and do some exploring and discovering.

6. Drop the bad habits and move on. Life is too short to waste on things that don’t make you happy. Stop investing time and effort in unsatisfying areas of your life, whether it’s a hurtful relationship or an unhealthy habit. Focus on goals and projects that encourage a happy and healthy travel nursing lifestyle and surround yourself with a good support group.

Don’t let another year pass without hitting the road and taking an assignment in the rewarding field of travel nursing with Access Nurses. Call 1-866-687-7390 and speak to a recruiter about travel nursing opportunities in cities across the nation.

RN from the Ashes

When the devestating wildfires threatened to burn down her home in Rancho Bernardo, one critical care transport nurses only had moments to pack her belongings and head for safety. Listen to why she chose her nursing equipment over her personal possessions.

Los Angeles, California

From the glimmering lights of Hollywood to the laidback lifestyle of Venice Beach, there is no question that Los Angeles is the hub of entertainment and culture. The rich diversity of Los Angeles makes for a unique working environment with strong caseloads, perfect for the travel nurse seeking an exceptional travel nursing experience. When you’re not busy working, the city’s endless shopping, dining and nightlife will keep you feeling like you’re getting paid to be on vacation.
Weather: High: 69, Low: 55
Population: 4,018,080
Nearby Cities: Long Beach, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara

Hot Jobs

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

Los Angeles, California
L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: January 7

Fresno, California
PACU
Positions: Three
Shift: Two days, one night
Start Date: January 7

Pomona, California
ER
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Lebanon, New Hampshire
OR
Positions: Eight
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: January 7

Gillette, Wyoming
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Lake City, Florida
OR
Positions: One
Shift: Variable days and on-call
Start Date: ASAP

Las Vegas, Nevada
Med Surg float
Positions: Four
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: January 21

Ogden, Utah
Scrub Tech
Positions: One
Shift:
Start Date: ASAP

Gallup, New Mexico
ICU
Positions: Three
Shift: Flexible
Start Date: ASAP

St. Charles, Missouri
Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: January 4

Park Ridge, Illinois
PICU
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: January 14

Featured Forum Topic

Nervous New Nurse

I’m new to nursing and find it a little intimidating right now. Everything seems to move so fast and I’m always worried about making a mistake. Any advice for a new nurse?

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