8 Important Books to Read About Racism + Healthcare
Anti-racist reading lists have been circulating across the internet in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. Non-black people who want to be better allies have been rushing to book stores to pick up Ibram X Kendi’s “How to be an Anti-Racist” or Robin DiAngelo’s “White Fragility.” But the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement is health care. The COVID-19 death rate for black Americans is 2.33 times higher than the death rate for white Americans, according to a report put out by the APM Research Lab on June 11. As the American Public Health Association has said, racism is a public health crisis.
It’s important for front-line workers, especially nurses, to take time to understand why these racial disparities in health persist. Black Americans aren’t simply dying of COVID-19 at higher rates because they make up a higher percentage of essential workers, although that’s a problem in itself. There’s a great mistrust of healthcare in the black community based on a long history of abuse that still continues today. There are great books written on this very issue. So if you’re a nurse, here’s YOUR reading list.
Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington
If you really want to understand the full history of racial abuse in health care, spanning from the days of slavery to 2007, when Medical Apartheid was published, this is the book to get you started. In grade school, you might have learned about the Tuskegee experiments, in which the government experimented on black men with syphilis for 40 years, allowing many of them to die in the process. But Washington digs into lesser known experiments that date back even further. She examines how social Darwinism and the pseudoscience of eugenics were born out of strings of experiments on slaves and freedmen. Washington’s book was revolutionary at the time it was published, because it allowed public health experts to understand that a century of abuse that sowed distrust of healthcare professionals in black America has more to do with the racial health deficit than anything else.
Black Man in a White Coat by Damon Tweedy, M.D.
Once you know your history, it’s time to look at how racial bias persists in healthcare today. In this deeply personal memoir, Tweedy tells a first-hand account of both the discrimination he himself faced in becoming a doctor, and what he came to learn about race and healthcare through his patients. In medical school, Tweedy heard over and over again the phrase, “more common in black than whites” about a slew of diseases. But as he came face to face with black patients, he realized there was more to the story.
Medical Bondage by Deirdre Cooper Owens
Owens zeroes in on a specific branch of medicine: gynecology. In her book “Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology,” she examines how the advances of modern gynecology were built on the backs of poor black women exploited by doctors. This book is powerful in bringing to light and dispelling myths about blackness and medicine that doctors have been treating as doctrine for years. It’s important literature for understanding your own biases as a healthcare professional and the possible biases of the doctors around you.
Body and Soul: The Black Panther Party and the Fight Against Medical Discrimination by Alondra Nelson
While the Black Panthers are most remembered for their revolutionary and militant struggle for justice, they were also trailblazers for health advocacy surrounding racism. Nelson tells the little-known history around the Black Panther’s network of free health clinics, its campaign to raise awareness about genetic disease, and its challenges to medical discrimination. Nelson’s deep dive into how the Black Panthers addressed health care back in the 1970s could be a guidepost for solutions proposed today.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
If you haven’t heard of the name Henrietta Lacks by now, you might be living under a rock. Oprah played her daughter in a movie! But before Skloot’s book in 2010, few knew the infamous story behind the naming of the HeLa cell. If you haven’t read Skloot’s nonfiction narrative about a black woman exploited up until her death, and her family’s fight for justice, you should definitely pick it up. Lacks’ story is just one of thousands of black women whose bodies were used for scientific advancement, despite never benefiting from those advancements.
Invisible Visits by Tina K Sacks
Sacks, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, chooses to highlight middle-class black women’s experience with health care, showing that it isn’t just poor people who are treated differently in healthcare settings, rather the issue is race-specific. The book is filled with unsettling anecdotes about black women’s pain being dismissed, and the great lengths they must go to advocate for better treatment. Sacks also discusses what must happen to end racism healthcare. We must go beyond anti-bias training and get to the root of the issue, she says.
Just Medicine: A Cure for Racial Inequality by Dayna Bowen Matthew
Speaking of solutions, Dayna Bowen Matthew offers up a comprehensive one in her 2015 book “Just Medicine.” Matthew agrees with Sacks that the money our healthcare system spends on bias training will have only a small effect on the massive death toll health disparities have cost black Americans. Through a slew of research, Matthew has determined that the greatest solution to address medical racism is through an overhaul of the legal system, putting in place legal remedies that accurately address implicit and unintentional forms of discrimination.
An American Health Dilemma: A Medical History of African Americans and the Problem of Race: Beginnings to 1900 by W. Michael Byrd and Linda A. Clayton
While a little more academic, this book is comprehensive in documenting the important history, not just of how African-Americans were treated in the traditional healthcare system, but in how they developed their own kind of care and treatment. Reading this book in its entirety will give you a strong understanding of the roots of racism in health care, and the names of black medical pioneers that a traditional medical education largely leaves out.
If you’re interested in ordering any of these books online, check out this list of black-owned bookstores.
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World Oceans Day: 8 Placements Near the Ocean
World Oceans Day is held every year on June 8th to raise awareness of the vital importance of our oceans and the role they play in sustaining a healthy planet. To celebrate, we’re sharing 8 of our favorite Stability placements on the ocean. Now that the sun is getting hotter and the days are getting longer, there’s no better time to take a job on the beach… or at least near a beach.
San Diego, CA
Miles of sandy beaches, surfable waves, sailboats, and a zoo. What’s not to love about San Diego? Right at the bottom of California, where it’s sunny and warm all year round, it’s hard to find a better beachtown.
You can see all of our high paying California placements here.
Riverhead, NY
When most people not from New York think of a beach getaway, they might not think of the north shore of Long Island. But why not? Long Island’s gold coast is beautiful and much less crowded than the Hamptons. Grab a craft beer and catch a bonfire on the beach this summer after work, and you won’t be sorry.
There are two placements in Riverhead, and you can see all of our high paying New York placements here.
Fort Bragg, CA
Describing Fort Bragg sounds like you’re making up a romantic little beach town for a novel. In Northern California off the Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is best known for Glass Beach, with its shore full of colorful glass stones. The beach is part of sprawling MacKerricher State Park, which supports varied birdlife and harbor seals. If you want a break from the ocean, you can hop onto The Skunk Train, a steam locomotive that weaves through the redwood forests of the Noyo River Canyon. This quiet old logging town is a perfect place to spend a sleepy summer in Northern California.
You can see all of our high paying California placements here.
Miami, FL
A summer in South Florida is certainly one you won’t forget. Even with the restriction of COVID-19, you’re bound to have a fun time on the beach this summer. Eat some delicious Cuban food, take in the palm tree scenery, and gaze at that beautiful blue ocean.
Check out all of our Florida placements here.
Arcata, CA
This small university town on the north end of Humboldt Bay will offer you some beautiful beach days on the Gold Coast, as well as a relaxed hippie vibe to settle into after a hard day’s work. Arcata is known for its progressive politics and its vegetarian restaurants, but it’s also just outside of Crescent City, where there’s miles of white sandy beaches and the weather is always a little chilly, perfect for those long walks on the beach.
You can see all of our high paying California placements here.
Brownsville, TX
The Western Gulf Coast of Texas is probably another beach that escapes most people’s minds when they think about where to vacation. But if you’re someone who loves wide open spaces and cheap rent, you might consider it. Brownsville might be the cheapest place in America you can live in and still be only a few miles from the ocean. And Boca Chica Park and South Padre Island boast truly beautiful beaches, with sea turtles and water parks and all.
You can look at all of our Texas placements here.
San Francisco, CA
If you want a scenic beach but you also crave city life, there’s no place better than San Francisco. As long as your calves are well equipped to walk up endless hills, you’ll experience so much culture and beauty in this city. And with Stability’s high paying placements there, you can actually afford the cost of living.
You can see all of our high paying California placements here.
Inglewood, CA
We’re saving the best for last, because there is no beach like Venice Beach. Bring your skateboard and your hacky sack, and get ready to embrace the boardwalk lifestyle. Inglewood might be a small town landlocked outside of Los Angeles, but it’s only a 20-minute drive to Venice Beach, and a 20-minute drive the other way to Manhattan Beach. You can have it all living here, including an almost $3,000 a week placement.
You can see all of our high paying California placements here.
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10 Instagram Accounts Every Travel Nurse Should Follow in the Pandemic
It pretty much feels like the end of the world these days, especially if you’re a nurse in an emergency room. One of the few ways to momentarily escape the glum is to laugh. Gotta laugh to keep from crying, right? Filling your Instagram feed with meme accounts might seem silly, but sometimes it does the trick in adding some positivity to your day. It’s hard to watch one of Leslie Jordan’s videos and not crack a smile, no matter how down you’re feeling about the world.
Here are 10 Instagram accounts you should follow as a travel nurse. Some are nursing related, some are just plain old fun.
NURSE HUMOR ACCOUNTS
@nurseabnormailites
Danielle LeVeck is a nurse practitioner in a cardiac surgery ICU, but she doubles as a meme queen. She’s posting a lot through the quarantine and her memes are oh so relatable. Like this one:
Not to mention, she has an adorable corgi named Sir Charles. How could you turn down corgi content? In this economy??
@nursesofinstagram
With over 306k followers, Nurses of Instagram is filled with hilarious and useful nursing content. They’ll make you laugh with posts about Tiger King:
Or tear up as New York hospitals blast “Empire State of Mind” after a COVID-19 patient gets discharged:
There are tons of heartwarming stories about nurses on the front lines: two nurses getting married, staff going to great lengths to help an old man tell his wife in quarantine that he loves her, emotional support dogs comforting medical staff and of course….. Tik Tok dances.
@nursehumorprn
This account will appeal to those who appreciate some dark humor and aren’t offended by foul language. It’s pure meme and there are surely a few posts you’ll be sharing on your story because, well, how could you not?
@snarkynurses
The best thing about accounts like this one is they’re run by ICU nurses, ones that are probably going insane during COVID-19. If they can laugh, so can you! This account is filled with memes that might hit too close to home about the everyday annoyances of being a nurse. You’ll feel right at home.
PERSONALITIES
Especially in these hard times, we need a reminder of why we love doing this job. Following travel nurses who have really been soaking up all that their placements have to offer can be a good reminder that there will be life after Coronavirus. Follow these travel nurse influencers and start keeping tabs of their adventures, so when this is all over, you can go on your own ones.
@biancasoffer
Bianca Scoffer knows her way around a camera. Her shots from her placements in Hawaii will have you drooling for bikinis and ocean breeze. It’s easy to see why she has over 123k followers. She’s been all over Hawaii, from Oahu to Maui. If you scroll down far enough you can see her adventures in the Northeast too, but nothing beats those ocean views.
@sarah_gaines
Following Sarah Gaines is as educational as it is aesthetic. She intersperses gorgeous ocean shots of her placements in California and Bali with tips about how to maximize your pay and experiences as a travel nurse. Find out the five secrets to making 6 figures as a travel nurse while fantasizing about the poolside cocktail she’s sipping.
@passportsandpreemies
Kylee Nelson, a NICU RN, really puts the travel in travel nursing. Her pictures will make you want to go on your own Eat, Pray, Love adventure. She’s currently based in Seattle but she’s been everywhere from Myanmar to Romania to the deserts of Jordan. Following Nelson will have you dying to explore cities that you had never heard of before. If you’re planning a post COVID-19 trip in any hemisphere, Nelson is bound to give you some inspiration.
Stability Healthcare has placements in Hawaii, Seattle and more. Search for where you want to go and check out our rates here.
GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT
If the floor feels like it’s falling through, sometimes there’s nothing more grounding than just listening to someone you find truly hilarious. They could be reading their grocery list, or trying to figure out how to turn the TV on, but just hearing their perspective on the day can keep you from feeling like you’re living in the Upside Down. That’s the beauty of Instagram, it can bring these people into our lives daily and turn them into our friends. That might sound cheesy and sad, but for any nurse in a new placement during Coronavirus, famous Instagram friends can be welcome. Here are three people to follow to cure your loneliness and anxiety, at least momentarily.
@iamtabithabrown
No one has a smoother voice than Tabitha Brown. Her videos showing you how to cook vegan everything will set your heart rate back to its normal speed, even if you couldn’t imagine giving up pork in a million years. Brown is an actress and comedian, but she doubles as a vegan chef, mom and earring aficionado. She and Donna, her hair, go on lots of quarantine adventures and all of them are worth a viewing, and in between the vegan cooking and hair washing is some truly profound advice. Here are some of Brown’s best moments.
@iammaxgreenfield
Sometimes we forget that the characters we love in shows and sitcoms are played by real people with totally separate lives. But Instagram has done a good job of reminding us of this during the quarantine. And while some celebs have fared better than others, one of the most hilarious and fun “normal” actors to follow has been New Girl’s Max Greenfield. While he might have played an eligible bachelor in most of New Girl, as the douche-y but lovable Schmidt, Greenfield has been married since 2008 and has an adorably sassy 11-year-old daughter named Lilly. He and Lilly have taken to Instagram to document her remote learning, as California schools will continue online until the end of the school year. Watching the two of them bicker, be bored and attempt to learn things together is a great way to lighten your day. Here are some of their funniest antics.
@thelesliejordan
“Awww sh*t, how y’all doing?” A gem of a human being, and everyone’s guncle (gay uncle), actor Lesie Jordan (Will & Grace, The Help) has finally been given the respect he deserves during this pandemic. His twice-daily videos have no doubt saved thousands from mental breakdowns. Whether he’s talking about yoga, “Mama”, or famous actors he’s worked with in his decades-long career, Jordan’s “pillow talk” will brighten every day of your week.
Here are some of his greatest hits:
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @stabilityhealthcare.
Want to explore more about travel nursing opportunities?
Stability Healthcare is an industry leader in travel nursing. Check out our Travel nursing jobs page for dozens of listings for high-paying gigs all across the United States. If you still have questions, contact our representatives. They are always available to help you start a fascinating career in the travel nursing field.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!
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5 Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Right Now
There’s a wealth of podcasts out there targeting many different groups. As a nurse, staying on top of the latest news and educational resources is paramount. But your education doesn’t have to remain limited to a textbook or a guide. Podcasts are an excellent way of listening to what’s happening in the nursing industry, learn tips from seasoned nurses, and learn to cope with the ins and outs of being a nurse.
So, next time you have a few minutes to spare between shifts, your commute, or on your days off, tune-in to these podcasts that will help you grow as a nurse.
1. Meditation Minis Podcast
Listen for: Mental Health Care
Nurses, particularly travel nurses, need to nurture their mental health. Working with emotional cases, dealing with high levels of stress, and sometimes being at the forefront of chaos, can be mentally and emotionally drawing. Meditation Minis Podcast helps you focus on your mental health. Most episodes are around 10 minutes, which means they’re the perfect podcast to listen during shifts when you’re having a rough day at work. Plus, they follow a friendly setting that’s not intimidating for meditation beginners.
2. NRSNG Podcast
Listen for: Continuing Education
A must-listen for nurses everywhere. NRSNG features current content centered around nurses’ education and professional interests. From personal journeys to the latest developments in the nursing industry, this podcast covers it all. Tune-in to listen from an extensive network of certified nurses and special guests that bring a fresh, real-life perspective to nursing education and the nursing profession.
3. Traveling Nurse Insider Podcast
Listen for: Travel Nursing Insight
Maybe you’re a travel nurse looking for ideas on how to optimize your assignments. Or, perhaps you’re an RN looking to explore the world of travel nursing. No matter in which bucket you fall, this podcast will be your go-to place of everything travel-nursing related. Listen for an unscripted insight into travel nurses everywhere. Look out for new episodes sharing advice, personal stories, and the latest developments in the travel nursing industry. Even if you’re not planning on ever becoming a travel nurse, this podcast stills offers tips and solutions that can benefit any RN in the field today.
4. The Hardcore Self Help Podcast
Listen for: Self-Care and Self Help
Even the most seasoned nurses know the importance of self-help/ This podcast, hosted by Robert Duff Ph.D., answers mental health questions without the BS. When you’re listening to the podcast, you feel as if you’re talking to that very frank friend who isn’t afraid of telling you the facts straight. The podcast explores mental health topics like depression and borderline personality disorder, which can come in handy for nurses dealing with patients in these conditions. But, it goes a bit further talking about topics like perfectionism, which might be quite common among nurses.
5. Good Nurse, Bad Nurse
Listen for: Real-life Insight Into Nursing
While nurses work with many people all the time, it’s easy to feel lonely and misunderstood. This podcast is a nurse favorite because you’re talking to nursing professionals that go through the same experience as you are. Each podcast episode, hosted by two registered nurses. One nurse shares personal stories to impart motivation and inspiration, while the other taps into the darker side of nursing, not everyone talks about.
Topics range from daily issues nursing professionals face in their professional and personal lives to hospital challenges and workplace bullying. Expect to hear everything about the flu, nursing frustrations, and mental health in the workplace. The Good Nurse Bad Nurse podcast is an excellent option for everyone in the nursing field, but it’s a must-listen for nursing students or those looking to venture into this exciting field.
These are some of the podcasts you should be listening to right now. There are thousands of podcasts available online talking about nursing, mental health, family, wellness, even fitness. Tune-in to these podcasts whenever you have spare time, while on your commute, or as you’re filling in paperwork. A few minutes a day can make a huge difference in your day, so whenever you feel down, or you feel a bit lost, listen to one of these podcasts to stay updated, guided, and ready to go.
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What to do in Nashville on Your Day Off
Spending a few weeks in Music City amid the COVID-19 pandemic? Nashville is known for its bustling music venues, and the Honky Tonks on Broadway, usually flooded with tourists. But on a beautiful Spring day and with a full tank of gas, you can have a perfect day off while still social distancing. Here’s a day worth of adventures, without all the cowboy-boot-wearing crowds.
Have an early morning to-go breakfast at Loveless Cafe
Drive straight down Highway 100 until you see an old sign for the Loveless Motel. There you can have the most delicious Southern Breakfast you could ask for. A global pandemic might be the best time to grab food at this Nashville breakfast staple without any wait time. Try their biscuits with the strawberry or apricot jam and no other biscuit will ever live up. Get grits, or a platter of biscuit sandwiches, chicken, sausage, and a personal favorite, pimiento cheese and fried green tomato. By the time you’re done, you’ll want to take a nap. Explore the grounds of what really was once a classic ‘50s Nashville motel (while keeping a mindful distance of those around you). There are local shops lined along where the rooms used to be. And there’s a Loveless gift shop where you can buy wholesale bags of the Loveless biscuit mix, stock up now so you can keep enjoying Loveless from the comfort of your own home!
Take a hike in Percy Warner Park
Get back in your car, and head back East on Highway 100 for a few miles. On your right, you’ll see a mound of hills that make up Percy Warner Park. Hiking trails weave in and out of Nashville’s rolling hills. And they’re super easy treks. It’s a great way to take in some nature, and also burn off those biscuits. Hikes can range from a quick half an hour to four or five. Choose a quick one. You have more to do today!
Drive down Natchez Trace and get lost.
Since you’re already on the West side of Nashville, it’s hard not to hit the historic, and beautiful, Natchez Trace Parkway. When your legs are tired of hiking, experience Tennessee’s greenery driving with your windows down instead. Blast the ‘O Brother Where Art Thou folk soundtrack and drive down the parkway, going nowhere in particular. You’ll encounter some fun landmarks on your way. There’s the big white Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. You can pull over and gaze out from the overpass at just how far Nashville’s green hills stretch into Franklin. Or take the exit right before and gaze at the bridge in its entirety. Either way, it makes a good photo op.
If you’re feeling truly adventurous, take the exit for Leaper’s Fork, a small town just outside of Nashville. You can drive down the historic block lined with old country stores and antique shops. Stop in Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant for a cone of ice cream. Then head back into the city. Hopefully the sun will be setting on your ride back. There’s nothing like a Nashville sunset.
Get a Martin’s Barbeque Sandwich to go
As you get back into the center of town, we recommend you try Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for dinner. Go to the Belmont location, and try a sliced beef brisket or a pulled pork shoulder. And load up on sides, from hush puppies to mac & cheese. Get it all to go.
Eat it on top of your car in Love Circle
Then head to Love Circle, the hill in Hillsboro Village that offers an almost completely unobstructed view of the city. Eat your bar-b-que on top of your car and watch as the sun goes down. A perfect Nashville day.
Does Nashville sound like a place you’d like to explore? See available positions at Stability Healthcare and get a start on your next adventure!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!
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Five Must-Read Books for Travel Nurses
Most people look to books as a form of escape from their challenging work and home lives. So for a travel nurse, a book about infectious diseases or bedpans might not seem like the obvious choice for that perfect airplane or train read. But nurses also have to stay up to date and informed, and sometimes a really good medical book can make you more excited to go to work in the morning. Here are five books that every travel nurse should read.
The Nurse’s Story by Carol Gino
Carol Gino has done, and seen, it all. In her career as a nurse she’s worked in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care, the Burn Unit, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Hospice Care for the terminally ill. And her 1997 novel on the trials of life as a nurse was an instant classic. Particularly if you’re new to nursing, Gino’s book is a window into what is to come, whether it is leaving work after a patient has died for the first time, and wondering how to shed that feeling of loss coming home to your family, or making difficult decisions on how to treat a patient’s unbearable pain. Gino’s book is a lesson in empathy and also explores ethical questions that undoubtedly every nurse will encounter in their lifetime. But it also shines light on the joy and the love found in the job. What it means to bring a new life into the world, or to hold a person’s hand as their journey ends.
Gino’s book is both gutting and hopeful. It would be a great book to gift to friends and loved ones who want to know more about what your job entails. Gino also offers a sigh of relief for nurses who have been working for a long time, as she addresses compassion fatigue and how to deal with burnout.
You can order her book on Amazon for $14.95 here.
Hitting the Road: A Travel Guide to Nursing by Shalon Kearney
Shalon Kearney is a travel nursing veteran. And in her 2002 book, she offers a short and no-nonsense guide to “hitting the road” as a travel nurse. She has complete listings for 70 health care staffing agencies, she offers tax and financial advice, tips on planning international travel, and also offers ways to self-assess, providing useful check-ins for how to track your improvement as a nurse even as you’re on the move. This all-inclusive guide is a breezy read, and can be a life-saver for nurses just starting in the industry. Kearney takes some of the seemingly-impossible parts of the job and breaks them into easy and understandable steps.
Buy it on Kindle Books for $9.95 here.
One Nurse At A Time: On A Mission: A Personal Journey into the Heart of Humanitarian Nursing by Sue Averill and Elizabeth Coulter
For a less clinical and more uplifting and breezy read on travel nursing, Averill and Coulter’s book full of stories is wholly satisfying. Their 2017 book captures the adventurous and exciting spirit of travel nursing. Whether it’s taking place in an African riverboat or just a particularly goofy day in the emergency room, this book will remind you why your job, despite all it’s challenges, is fun. And more importantly, following these nurses on their humanitarian journey to change the world will remind you why your job is meaningful. Averill and Coulter are women to aspire to, and they’re also a barrel of laughs.
This book is actually free on Kindle Unlimited, or you can buy it for $12.99 in paperback here.
When Nurses Hurt Other Nurses: Hurt Nurses: Recognizing and Overcoming the Cycle of Nurse Bullying by Cheryl Dellasega, Sigma Theta Tau International Staff
Anyone who has spent time in this industry knows that it can sometimes be toxic. Nurses often go underpaid, and hospitals and clinics that are understaffed create a tense environment for employees who have to juggle responsibilities that should have been divided by a much larger staff. Younger nurses can face brutal treatment from managing nurses who have already weathered the storm of a nursing career. And this can be even more true for travel nurses, who are often new to a well-oiled machine. When you’re in a tough situation at work, it’s easy to think you’re the only one. It’s also easy to think it’s completely your fault. That’s why this book, published in 2011, was groundbreaking.
It explains the history of nurse bullying and examines why this toxic behavior occurs and looks at ways to prevent it. It includes workshops and tipsheets inside to help nurses in real time deal with difficult situations that arise.
One nurse on GoodReads said, “As someone who has been bullied, this was an important book for me to read. It helped me work through some of my feelings, and my anger. I am thinking of having it sent to my former supervisor and/or the COO who also played a part in the entire bullying experience.
It is nice to know that in some places around the world, bullying is recognized in the nursing profession and steps are being taken to stop the cycle.”
Buy it at Barnes & Noble for $25.34 here.
Highway Hypodermics: Travel Nursing 2019 by Epstein Larue
This is the bread and butter. The 300-page guide that leaves no stone unturned in pursuing travel nursing. Epstein Larue, a Cirrus Medical Staffing traveler, has been updating her helpful guide to how to find jobs as a travel nurse, how to balance expenses, and more, for over a decade. So you can trust that her most recent addition put out last year has literally everything you could ever want to know about being a travel nurse. She’ll guide you through finding that perfect travel assignment, negotiating contracts, and even getting the proper vaccinations and health checks. This is a must-read if you’re looking to branch out into travel nursing.
You can buy the most recent edition on Kindle for $9.99 here.
BONUS: Travel Nurse Coloring Book
Who doesn’t love a good coloring book? Destress while also recording some of your sweetest moments with patients with this whimsical coloring book made specifically for travel nurses.
Plus it’s only $8.95 on Amazon Prime.
Want to explore more about travel nursing opportunities?
Stability Healthcare is an industry leader in travel nursing. Check out our Travel nursing jobs page for dozens of listings for high-paying gigs all across the United States. If you still have questions, contact our representatives. They are always available to help you start a fascinating career in the travel nursing field.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!
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How to Enjoy Your Off Time in Milwaukee
If your new assignment has brought you deep into the Midwest to Milwaukee, you may be wondering how you’re going to spend your time off (and survive the cold). While the answer to the latter is simple – lots of layers, warm blankets, working heating, and staying inside when the temps go negative – finding the best things to do on your nice-weather days off may still be a puzzle. Here are tips from a Milwaukee native on how to spend your day off in and around Milwaukee.
Enjoy brunch at Cafe Benelux
The name of this restaurant, derived from the combination of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg, is just the beginning of its coolness. In warm weather, there’s probably no better place to be than the Cafe Benelux rooftop dining area, bedecked in stunning decor and complete with 360 views of the historic Third Ward. Everything on the menu is a hit, but their burgers, French toast, chicken & waffles, and frites are all beloved and exceptional.
Stroll through the Third Ward
Speaking of Third Ward views, this neighborhood of Milwaukee is inarguably the best in the city, and perfect for a walk and window shopping on a warm day. Take a leisurely walk through the historic streets, take in the river views, stop in high-end shops and make some purchases if the mood strikes. And at some point, stroll some of the well-known RiverWalk and enjoy the various sights the city has to offer.
Grab a picnic lunch from the Public Market
One of the most delicious places in the city, the Milwaukee Public Market (once again located in the fantastic Third Ward) is a must-stop destination whenever you get hungry. The long building is packed with a huge variety of food vendors and mini-restaurants, including an Italian deli (everything they make is delish), Mexican bar and grill, olive oil peddler, produce stand, cheese shop, bakeries, a fish monger, and plenty more. Walk around every vendor first, then swing back to your favorites and pick up a variety of packable foods and drinks to take with you.
Bring your picnic lunch for a walk by the lake
On a sunny or warm day, the Milwaukee lakefront is absolutely the place to be. Much of the lakefront is adorned with a paved walking trail, so you can easily stroll for quite a while, watching sailboats and birds on the lake while you select the perfect spot to sit and relax with your picnic lunch. If you’re feeling more active, rent a bike or paddle boat (for the inland pond), have a run, or join a game of beach volleyball at one of the beaches. A cone from Northpoint Custard is also probably in order – it’s a Wisconsin staple, after all.
Enjoy art and beautiful architecture
While you’re already on the lakefront, stopping at an art museum is always a good bet. The Milwaukee Art Museum is a world-renowned building in itself, and even just stopping inside to see the views from the picturesque Calatrava is worth the time. But if you’re an art lover, be sure to explore the rest of the sprawling museum. If you prefer stunning European architecture and landscaping, Villa Terrace is a better art museum selection. Located just a ways up the lakefront (in a fantastic neighborhood to explore on foot), this breathtaking building is most known for its sweeping, massive back lawn, perfectly landscaped with countless flowers, plants, and a falling water feature.
Grab a burger and drink at SafeHouse
Undoubtedly Milwaukee’s coolest and quirkiest bar, this hole in the wall spot is actually a bit hard to find. The reason is simple–it was a genuine speakeasy during Prohibition, and still maintains the various quirks and secrets that came with that purpose. The entrance can be found in an alley off Front St., right along the river. In the entryway, a staff member will ask for the password–but don’t worry if you don’t know it; they’ll just make an embarrassing request for you to enter (think hula hooping or doing a little skit). Once inside, the place is a maze of fun surprises and things to see. Ask any bartender about the different features of the spy-themed building, enjoy some delicious cocktails and surprisingly good burgers, and be sure to use the secret exit on your way out.
Does Milwaukee sound like a place you’d like to explore? See available positions at Stability Healthcare and get a start on your next adventure!
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What To Do in Kansas City On Your Day Off
One of the most appealing aspects of traveling nursing is the ability to explore. Kansas City is a quaint, mid-sized city in the Midwest, with plenty of fun activities for your day off. If you find yourself in Kansas City for your position, here are some of the best activities, restaurants, and sights the city has to offer.
Brunch at Morning Day Café
Morning Day Café has quickly become a Kansas City-staple. Not only is its home in a unique setting – specifically a tricked out shipping container in the Iron District – but the restaurants’ food is colorful too! Besides a selection of breakfast classics like house-made muffins and pancakes, Morning Day Café has a variety of filling brunch and lunch entrées, like their rosemary biscuits with bacon gravy or their walnut pesto penne. If you’re thirsty, take advantage of their cocktail selection. Morning Day Café is suitable for meat-eaters, omnivores, and vegetarians alike.
Pick up fresh flowers at the Kansas City Farmers Market
Kansas City has one of the best farmers markets in the country. Not only is the city smackdab in the middle of farmer territory, resulting in tons of fresh produce, but it also hosts a variety of self-made artists, bakers, and gardeners. Every Saturday, hundreds of people meet at the City Market to open their own booths and to see what others are selling. Spruce up your housing by picking up some fresh flowers from one of the vendors, and grab some fresh-made goods to stock your pantry while you’re at it.
Sit down for a cup of coffee at Oddly Correct
Oddly Correct isn’t only the perfect coffee shop to get some caffeine before starting your morning shift, but it’s also a great place to relax on a day off! There are plenty of tables for you to sit at, and outlets in case you need to give your phone a quick charge. Their black coffee is fantastic, but if you want something a little sweet, taste one of their specialty lattes, like their bourbon vanilla latte or berry-infused mocha. Oddly Correct is a prime spot for their prime coffee drinks and pastries, but another benefit is that you’re supporting locals, and the earth, too. Oddly Correct has been recognized for providing their employees with higher-than-average pay, and the shop has recently started using glass instead of paper cups, making it more sustainable.
Cheer on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium
Football fan? Arrowhead Stadium is a hot-spot. Known for being one of the loudest stadiums in the country, Kansas City Chiefs fans take it to the next level. The team recently won the Superbowl (their first time in decades), and with young stars like Patrick Mahomes, they’re surely on the trajectory to continue being an excellent team. One of the best ways to fully get a feel of the Chiefs atmosphere is to rally up fellow traveling nurses and tailgate before the game.
Eat some BBQ at Jack Stack
Save some room for BBQ at Jack Stack. Jack Stack is a local Kansas City chain and known for their tender and flavorful meats. Bring this place up to anyone in the KC-area, and they’re sure to claim the fame as some of the best BBQ in the Midwest.
Take in the sights at Nelson-Atkins Museum
Nelson-Atkins Museum boasts more than 35,000 pieces of art, all meticulously taken care of. And, it’s all FREE for you to see! Besides its jaw-dropping collections, the museum has a sprawling campus, decorated with quirky sculptures (namely the Shuttlecock sculpture). Fun to go by yourself or in a group with other nurses, the Nelson-Atkins Museum can entertain you for a whole day. If you don’t want to commit to an all-day outing, check out whichever special exhibition they’re currently running.
Does Kansas City sound like a place you’d like to explore? See available positions at Stability Healthcare and get a start on your next adventure!
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Things to Do on the 4th of July for Travel Nurses
1. Working the Night Shift? Pack a Picnic
Many Travel Nurses work the night shift, so if you’re working the 4th then you may want to enjoy an early breakfast/brunch picnic.
Take all those adorable red, white, and blue recipes you made and celebrate with a picnic in the park.
2. Celebrate at Work
Just because you’re at work doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holiday! Donning a set of red, white, and blue scrubs brings a bit of the holiday into the hospital.
Celebrating doesn’t just mean going to barbecues. It can also mean adding a little levity to your workplace.
3. Celebrate on the Beach
If you’re lucky enough to have travel nurse assignment near or within driving distance of a beach,
pack up for a fun day in the sun. If you stay until the evening, expect to see fireworks.
4. Explore the local area for the best Firework Viewing Party
Local Newspaper apps and Facebook events can direct you to the cities some of the best local hangout areas for viewing parties.
5. Make new friends with fellow travel nurses!
Speaking of food, why not invite new colleagues to a summer cookout?
Common things bring people together and beyond it being the 4th of July, most other travel nurses are also looking for a small taste of home. Why not host a Travel Nurse Potluck and make new friends from your facility.
How You Can Make the Most of Each Assignment
You worked hard to earn your nursing credentials and get your career started. Now it’s time to put your credentials to work for you. As a travel nurse, you’ll have incredible opportunities to explore countless new places. A nursing job lasts far longer than a typical vacation, which means you can get to know each new city like a local.
Making the most out of each new destination is a process that begins before you travel there. Research your new home in advance and make a list of everything you’d like to do and see while you’re there. Perhaps you’d love to explore the nightlife or immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heritage, art scene, or natural wonders. Be ambitious with your plans; there’s plenty of time to do it all. And if you fall in love with the city and want to extend your stay, just ask about extending your contract. Another great thing about working with Stability is the company’s high rate of contract extensions.
Are You Ready to Start Your Exciting New Career?
Stability Healthcare is an industry leader in travel nursing, with excellent benefits, PTO, and competitive pay. Sign up today to become a traveler, and get instant access to thousands of open jobs. Our representatives look forward to helping you launch your new career in travel nursing.
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