Volume 13 Number 9 - February 8th

You’re getting ready for your next travel nursing assignment, and all of the big tasks are completed. Submitted all paperwork to travel nurse company? Check. Completed all the necessary tests and licensure documentation? Check. Reread and signed contract? Check, check.

But preparing for a successful travel nurse assignment doesn’t end when with the paperwork. There are still many things to consider. Good preparation will make all the difference for a rewarding and satisfying assignment. Here is a check list to follow before you hit the road.

Travel Nurse Check List:

Do Your Research

Make a list of must-see sights and restaurants. Friends and family are always your best bet for finding great sights and restaurants in your new location. Also try looking on Web sites and read travel guide books. Every city has its own unique culture and ambience, and you’ll want to take in as much of it as you can.
Know about your new facility. No matter how many assignments you’ve taken, every hospital has its own set of procedures and all new faces to remember. Call your unit manager and ask the names of the people with whom you’ll be working. This will help you remember your coworkers’ names with much more ease.
Verify information with your travel recruiter. If you have any questions about housing, first day of work, etc., contact your recruiter. He/She is there to assist you during your travels, so don’t hesitate to clarify any necessary information if necessary.
Find out if there are any other travelers in your area. This is another area your recruiter can help you with. It’s always nice to meet fellow travelers on the road - whether at work or near where you live. Inquire with your recruiter about other travelers in your area.

Smart Packing

Don’t forget the essentials. Eye glasses, contacts, prescriptions, cell phone charger, camera, etc. Though it is possible to replace these items if you forget them, it’s more of a hassle and can be expensive.
There’s a drug store where you’re going. Unless you have a very stringent routine when getting ready, don’t worry about packing shampoos, hair products, toothpaste, etc. You’ll be in your new city for 13 weeks, so you might as well just buy a supply after you arrive. Plus, then you don’t have to worry about anything exploding in your suitcase.
Remind yourself of home. Remember to pack a few pictures or trinkets that will remind you of people and places back home while you’re away. But don’t let these items take up too much space in suitcase. After all, your travel nurse assignment is about making new memories and having new experiences.
Pack for all occasions. With winter just about gone and spring approaching, it’s tough to know exactly what weather to expect during your assignment. By packing a variety of clothing, mostly items that can be layered, you’ll be prepared to beat the heat or fight the cold. Also, don’t forget an umbrella and at least one warm jacket.

Don’t Forget

Let people know you’re leaving. Tell your friends and family of your new housing info (to encourage them to send cards or come visit). It’s also a good idea to notify the post office of your new address so you can still receive any important mail or fun magazines while you’re gone.
Take your care of your car. If you plan on driving to your assignment location, it’s a good idea to make sure your car is ready for the trip (check tires, change oil, etc.).
Talk about your adventure. This is an especially good idea if you’re going on your first travel nurse assignment or if you’re traveling alone. Talk with loved ones and colleagues about your feelings. What are you excited about? Are you nervous at all? It also may be helpful to keep a journal during your trip so you can log not only your experiences, but your emotions and thoughts about your assignment.

Rock Star RN

At age 52, Tobias Brekke is making a bit of a career change. He’s going from Rock & Roll drummer to rockin’ RN

Denver, Colorado

Denver is Colorado’s capital and most populous city, housing more than half of the state’s population. The city is nicknamed “The Mile-High City” because its official elevation is exactly one mile. Though it’s a big city, full of museums, art galleries and restaurants, Denver is also a superb destination for snow lovers because it’s just a short trip from some of the best ski resorts in the country. Be sure to check out INVESCO Field at Mile High where the two-time Super Bowl champions, the Broncos, play every season.
Weather: High: 64, Low: 36
Population: 566,974
Nearby Cities: Arvada, Lakewood, Aurora

Hot Jobs

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

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

Santa Ana, California
L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: end of February

Dallas, Texas
NICU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Burien, Washington
ER
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour evenings
Start Date: ASAP

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

Kenmore, New York
OR
Positions: Two
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP

Boston, Massachusetts
Chemo Fusion
Positions: Two
Shift: Days
Start Date: ASAP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Oncology, Tele, Med Surg, ICU and Peds
Positions: 10
Shift: All
Start Date: ASAP

Anchorage, Alaska
ICU, OR and ER
Positions: Two
Shift: All
Start Date: ASAP

Santa Barbara, California
PICU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights or days/nights rotation
Start Date: February 11

Pomona, California
L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP

Fort Walton Beach, Florida
PACU
Positions: One
Shift: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP

Charleston, South Carolina
Oncology
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Riverside, California
Med Surg and Tele
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Albuquerque, New Mexico
PICU, Peds and L&D
Positions: Eight
Shift: Flexible
Start Date: ASAP

Casper, Wyoming
TCU (Tele)
Positions: One
Shift: Rotating
Start Date: ASAP

Featured Forum Topic

Travel Nursing in New York

Has anyone traveled to the state of New York? Any hospitals that are great or not so great? Any advice for a non-New Yorker?

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