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 Travel Nursing 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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