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 4^th 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.

A Holiday Survival Guide for Travel Nurses

A Holiday Survival Guide for Travel Nurses

For some nurses, Christmas isn’t the most wonderful time of the year. A quarter of Americans work over the holidays, but for travel nurses, spending time away from home can be seriously stressful. Living in a different city, staff shortages, long hours — all of these things take the fun out of the festive period. If you’re an OR nurse, emergency nurse, or specialize in a different field, and you are working over the holidays, read this survival guide.

1. How to Cope with Not Seeing Your Family

As a travel nurse, you might have to work over the holidays in a hospital in a different city, miles away from your home. Spending time away from your family can be difficult at any time of the year, but during the holidays, this can really sting.

You can always celebrate the holidays with your family another time, though. Why not postpone Christmas Day until when you return home? You can still exchange gifts and enjoy a glass of eggnog — just on a different day.

Make sure you have plenty of contact with your family when you are not on shift. Regular phone calls and emails will help alleviate any feelings of homesickness. If things get tough, stick it out, and remember, your contract will eventually come to an end. Your patients, on the other hand, might spend weeks — or even months — lying in a hospital bed.

“Although you may miss your family, you can eventually walk out the door. Cultivating empathy for your patients’ plight is an important act of compassion,” says Vanessa, a Stability travel nurse in Oakland, CA.

2. Create Your Own Celebrations

You won’t be the only one spending time away from your family during the holidays. Talk to your colleagues if you feel homesick, and spend time with patients. Like you, they would rather be at home.

Combat your holiday blues by creating your own celebrations. Bring your favorite holiday snacks — candy canes, fruitcake, lots of chocolate, etc. — to work and share them with your colleagues and patients. You can also decorate your work-space and make it more homely. A few decorations and a miniature Christmas tree will add some festive cheer to any hospital interior. Exchange gifts with other medical staff, too.

“Play some music, hang some decorations, eat some gingerbread men,” says Erik, a Stability travel nurse in Torrance, CA.. “After all, it’s still the holiday season and your profession is nursing — caring for others is very much in the holiday spirit.”

3. Think of the Financial Benefits

If you are working over the holidays, you will likely miss important family events. However, you can make up for it by taking a family vacation after the festive season. Typically, it’s cheaper to travel after the holidays, so you’ll get more bang for your buck.

As a traveling nurse, you might receive more money during the holidays, too. Depending on the organization you work for, you could receive double time pay.

If you are open to working the holiday season, you will be able to cash in on some great holiday rates (typically 1.5 to 2 times your typical hourly travel pay).

As a travel nurse, working during the holidays is tough. You will be away from family, work long shifts and miss important events. Postponing your Christmas plans, creating your own celebrations and thinking of all the financial benefits, however, will make this time of the year a little bit easier.

Looking for a travel nursing agency that provides you with more flexibility and pay transparency? Search Stability Healthcare now and find travel nursing jobs nationwide.

How To Handle Workplace Bullying

Guest blog by: K Chandler Rosemont

I wish this was not a common theme amongst most hospitals…but unfortunately it remains ever-present. Some places less than others, some more than most. Nurse bullying is real and it happens more often than not.

I am so fortunate to work at a zero tolerance nurse bulling establishment…however, I still find it happening. How does one handle such situations? I’ll share with you the best ways I have gotten through sticky situations the right and wrong ways.

TAKE A BREATH
When an incident occurs, take a deep breath. You don’t want to be a short fuse and do or say something you will regret. Taking the time to gather yourself will allow you to see if you are truly upset or maybe more sensitive that day. In the moment, emotions are so strong. Perhaps it is something that can blow over without a big fuss! Take the higher road and walk away if you can.

KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS
This happens to be my specialty and I got particularly good at it in nursing school. I had many cases in nursing school where nobody wanted to take nursing students for the day. So I began preparing homemade treats and bringing them for the nurses. They appreciated this more than I can convey. In no time, I was paired with a nurse for all my shifts…and also all my classmates!

Another more harsh example is when I left work one shift, I received a phone call about something I forgot to do. It was a mixture of forgetfulness and a lack of education on my end. It was an honest mistake and caused no harm to the patient or their treatment whatsoever. However, it was treated as though it was a very big deal. I was called and disciplined on the phone after a thirteen hour shift. Trust me, I had little to no patience left at this point but I took a deep breath and was very sincere and apologetic: “I can see how frustrating this must have been for you. I am so sorry. I was unaware of the importance of this paper. I will work harder next time to meet the standards of practice.” The use of “I” statements in times like this is imperative. Keep the attention on how you will change. Sometimes being the bigger and sweeter person can help mellow out a situation and in turn, make the nurse bully appreciate you more as a colleague.

DON’T GOSSIP
This is where I have failed. I unfortunately vented to my fellow new grad nurses about the incident and immediately developed a pit in my stomach. I felt worse speaking about it than not speaking about it. I felt as though I had stooped to the bully’s level. If I felt the need to talk about it, I should speak to someone outside of the workplace. And if it is necessary, escalate the incident to the charge nurse.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SUPERIORS
Should the situation be so bad that it impacts your work day-to-day, you must bring it to your charge nurse’s attention. Anxiety will only build and patient safety could be compromised. Remember that they are there to help you. You may not be the only one bringing forward your concerns! Perhaps other nurses have expressed concern about a certain nurse bully. All in all, listen and trust your gut. We are there to serve our patients and their families. If you are unable to do so safely and to your best ability because of a nurse bully, you must escalate your concerns!

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To hear more from K Chandler, you can find her blog here or follow her on Instagram. 

Keep checking in on the Stability blog for more inspiration and for nursing tips!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Travel Nursing: An Exciting Career that Enables You to Explore America

Plenty of people are satisfied with jobs that require them to see the same surroundings and talk with the same people day after day. But if that’s not an ideal situation for you, if you’d rather have a job that allows you to explore new places and meet new people throughout the country, then it’s time to think about becoming a travel nurse. Travel nursing jobs are available in exciting destinations all over America. As a traveler, you’ll work for top-notch facilities, and when you aren’t working, you’ll be able to explore your new city at your leisure. After each contract, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the many cultural differences you’ll find throughout the country.

Why You Should Consider Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travelers are employees of traveling nurse companies. But unlike most employees, travelers can pick and choose from a list of assignments. When you join an agency, you’ll work with your recruiter to find the best possible destination and facility for you. If you have relatives located throughout the country, you could choose assignments that allow you to be close to them. With each contract you accept, you can look forward to the following:

• Salary: You’ll earn enviable wages as a travel nurse.
• Job security: There is a never-ending demand for travel nurses.
• Skills: Travel nurses grow their skills and knowledge with each assignment through exposure to a variety of situations and medical facilities.
• Flexible scheduling: Take a break between contracts when you want to.

Resume: Travel nursing is like a gold star for your resume. It lets you stand apart from hundreds of other nurses. Employers like to hire nurses who can jump into any situation and competently overcome it, and being a traveler proves you can do this.

Where You Could Go As a Travel Nurse

From Barrow, Alaska to Honolulu, Hawaii, and from Palm Springs, California to Cooperstown, New York, you can go virtually anywhere you want as a travel nurse. Nursing is a high-demand profession, and medical centers rely on travel nurses to fill in the gaps in their employment roster. You could travel north during the summer and south for the winter, if you wish, or reverse those trips if you prefer to experience the seasons in all their glory. Your travel nursing company will work with you to ensure your complete satisfaction with your placement. Some factors you may wish to consider as you peruse the available job listings include:

• The geographical location
• The attractions and amenities of the city
• The climate and seasonal weather patterns in the area
• The size of the medical facility
• Your previous experiences with the area

Some travel nurses have favorite cities that they like to return to now and then. Others prefer to seek out new destinations every time in order to take full advantage of an adventurous lifestyle and career path. The choice is up to you.

What to Know About Licensure

It’s easier than ever for traveling nurses to explore America, thanks to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). The original NLC was enacted in 1999. It enabled nurses to obtain multi-state licensure, enabling them to practice in any participating state without having to obtain a new license. This capability is crucial not just for career travel nurses, but also for those who occasionally travel to assist with natural disasters in other states.

Today, travel nurses benefit from the enhanced version of the NLC, which establishes uniform requirements to ensure that all nurses with multi-state licensure have comparable qualifications. Since the eNLC was implemented in January 2018, 31 states have already joined it and other states are working on legislation to become new members. This is great news for travel nurses, as it opens up doors all over the country. If you meet the following requirements, you can upgrade your license to an eNLC license.

• You hold an active, unencumbered license
• You have graduated from a board-approved education program
• You have passed an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam
• You have passed a state and federal criminal background check (fingerprint)
• If you are an international graduate, you have passed an English proficiency exam
• You have a U.S. Social Security number
• You do not have any state or federal felonies
• You do not have any misdemeanors related to the nursing profession
• You aren’t participating in an alternative program

After confirming that you meet the requirements, you can apply for an eNLC license through your state’s board of nursing website. It may take a few weeks to process your new license, so if you’re tempted to become a travel nurse, you might want to start this process right away. Note that if you already hold an original multi-state NLC license, you’re already grandfathered into the new eNLC–there’s no need to apply for a new license.

How You Will Find Housing at Each Destination

Housing is one of the top concerns prospective travel nurses have, but in many cases, individuals find that it’s actually easier to obtain housing as a travel nurse than otherwise. When most people need to find new housing, they are on their own. But travel nurses have an entire team to help at their traveling nurse companies.

Stability Healthcare has a reputation for always putting the needs of their travelers first. You can choose from properties across the country. Travelers make excellent tenants, which is why residential building managers and rental companies reach out to Stability with offers for short-term tenants. Our team can also help you find reasonably priced housing, including furnished options. Of course, you could always find your own housing if you wish. If so, you can receive a lodging subsidy to reimburse you for the costs. Lodging subsidies are issued based on the General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines, which vary based on location.

What to Know About Insurance

Some travel nurses find it problematic to maintain health insurance, particularly if the plan their agency offers is less than desirable. That’s another reason why it’s crucial to choose the best possible travel nursing agency. At Stability Healthcare, travel nurses are covered from day one with United Healthcare. Employees can choose from four different plans to find the right fit for their needs. Plus, dental and vision coverage are included.

How to Get Started as a Travel Nurse

Now that you’ve had a chance to reflect on the many benefits of this career path, and to become familiar with the details of the arrangements, are you excited to begin your new adventure? Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you get started on your journey.

1. Obtain your eNLC license.

Since it can take a few weeks for your license application to be processed, it makes sense to take care of this first. If you haven’t already applied, visit your state’s nursing board website and follow the directions. You may need to submit proof of your residence. Getting your eNLC is beneficial because it simplifies the process of working as a nurse in different states. However, it’s not mandatory. If you don’t currently live in an eNLC-participating state, or you’d rather not obtain an eNLC, then you’ll need to apply for licensure in each individual state that you wish to work in. Your travel nurse agency will help you sort through the nuances of licensure in different states.

2. Sign up with the best travel nursing agency.

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your career. There are a number of factors you should consider when selecting an agency, including the agency’s reputation for professionalism and transparency, the HR policies (including PTO and insurance), and the satisfaction of their employees. Take your time researching your available options. Stability Healthcare is confident you’ll return to our website, especially when you read our testimonials. Once you’ve decided to partner with Stability, just fill out the online form to get started.

3. Take your pick of assignments.

There are thousands of travel nurse jobs to choose from at any given time. You can search by nursing specialty or location. When a job catches your eye, click on it to view more details. You’ll see the location, duration of the assignment, hours per week, shift, start date, and pay.

4. Arrange for your housing.

As soon as you accept a job offer, you can begin working with the team at Stability Healthcare to finalize your housing arrangements. Note that it’s quite common for traveling nurses to bring their spouses, partners, or other family members. You could decide to rent anything from a small apartment to a whole house, depending on your needs. Some travel nurses like to travel together. Stability can help you and a friend find travel nurse jobs in the same location, and sometimes even in the same facility!

5. Make plans for traveling.

Part or all of your travel expenses may be reimbursed by your agency. Stability Healthcare reimburses travel expenses up to $600 for each assignment you accept. If the location is within driving distance of your current residence, you might choose to pack up your car. Otherwise, flying to the destination is a sensible choice. If you’ll be flying with pets, you should research the airline’s pet transport policies well in advance. You may need to call the airline after booking your ticket to let the representative know that you’ll be traveling with a pet. Be sure to find out about the airline’s restrictions on animal carrier sizes and similar policies.

If you aren’t taking your car to your new destination, it’s a good idea to research public transportation options ahead of time. Many popular travel nurse destinations, like San Francisco, have multiple options. The use of public transportation is also an excellent way to get to know your new city better, and to meet interesting new people.

6. Arrive at your new city and attend orientation.

Travel nurses are expected to adapt quickly to each new facility and department. However, medical centers recognize that orientation is essential to support a successful assignment. If you work with Stability, you’re guaranteed to have an orientation at each facility. You’ll be given information about the sort of orientation you can expect when you’re headed to a new facility. Orientation typically lasts a week or less.

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.

Travel Nurse Salary Details

Looking for the best travel nursing agency? Want the best travel nurse salary? If you’re thinking about nursing as a career, you might be excited by the lure of a high paying 13-week travel nurse assignment. You can visit exotic locations and enjoy time off in places you would like to vacation. On the other hand, a staff RN or hospital-related nursing professions are also quite attractive.

Here’s the salary breakdown for various nursing professions, pros, cons, and tips to help you decide which area you might want to specialize in.

Salaries for RNs

Maybe you are thinking about becoming a RN. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average annual salary for RN is $68,450.

To earn your degree as a RN, you must attend a 2-year associate’s degree program or a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in nursing. When you complete the nursing diploma program you will then need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN examination to receive your license in registered nursing.

Average Salary for RNs by Industry

If you did a search for “What’s the most RNs can make?”, “What’s the highest RN salary?” or “What’s the most money an RN can make?” Depending on the area or industry you go into, these are the annual mean wages (AMW) based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Specialty RNs make $77,290.
• General medicine professions and hospital RNs make $75,820.
• Outpatient care facility RNs make $75,680.
• Substance abuse and psychiatric RNs make $71,290.
• Home health care service RNs make $70,230.
• Private doctor’s office RNs make $66,890.
• Nursing care facility RNs make $65,710.
• Want to make $288,000 in nursing? See the highest salaries RN’s can make below.

States Paying RNs the Highest Salaries

If you searched for “travel nurse salary in California”, “nursing salary 2018”, or “travel nurse salary by state”, you might want to know which state has the highest pay for RN’s. It’s California.

Here is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data by state based on average mean wages:

• California pays RNs an AMW of $102,700 with the highest salaries in San Francisco, South San Francisco, and Redwood, City, CA at $139,700.
• Boston, Cambridge, Newton MA RNs make $97,130.
• Hawaii RNs make $96,990.
• Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Glendale, CA RNs make $95,650.
• New York and New Jersey RNs make $90,840.
• District of Columbia RNs make $90,110.
• Massachusetts RNs make $89,330.
• Oregon RNs make $88,770.
• Texas RNs make $72,070.
• New York RNs make $83,450.
• Florida RNs make $64,890.
• Pennsylvania RNs make $69,820.

Note: When selecting an area, consider the cost of living and crime rate. While Hawaii and Florida are beautiful locations, California can be expensive to live in.

Salaries for Advanced Practice RNs

One field that offers higher salaries is advanced practical (AP) nursing. To work in this particular area, you would need to have a master’s degree in a specialty area.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average annual salary for advanced practice nurses is $160,270. The average salary is $107,640 for certified nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.

Want the Highest Salary RN Anesthetists Can Make?

If you’re interested in which nursing professions make the most money. Here are a few salary details from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• In Northeast Iowa (non-metropolitan areas) nurse anesthetists make an AMW of $288,780.
• In San Francisco, CA (metropolitan division) nurse anesthetists make an AMW of $243,390.
• In Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL nurse anesthetists make an AMW of $193,190.
• In Montana, nurse anesthetists make an AMW of $252,460 followed by Wyoming with $250,460.

Note: When considering these areas, factor in extreme weather that may impact where you live and how you commute to work. Florida and Iowa receive their fair share of storms. Montana and Iowa can have severe winters affecting commutes. California is expensive to live in and prone to earthquakes.

Want the Highest Salary RN Practitioners Can Make?

If you want to know the highest salary RN practitioners (NPs) make based on annual mean wages, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states:

• Palm Bay, Titusville, and Melbourne, FL NPs make $164,180.
• Redwood City, San Francisco, and South San Francisco NPs make $151,660.
• Spokane and Spokane Valley, WA NPs make $150,040.
• Alexandria, LA NPs make $144,010.
• Salem, Peabody, and Beverly, MA NPs make $142,730.
• Big Thicket, TX (non-metropolitan) NPs make $143,670.
• Alaska (non-metropolitan) NPs make $137,330.
• Central Louisiana (non-metropolitan) NPs make $131,950.
• Southeast Alaska (non-metropolitan) NPs make $131,110.
• New Mexico (West and North, non-metropolitan) NPs make $129,020.

Salaries for Licensed Practical Nurses

If you’re considering a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average annual salary for licensed practical nurses is $44,090.

To earn your degree as a licensed practical nurse, you must attend a 1-year program at a vocational school, a hospital or community college. Salaries for LPNs can vary depending on the specialty of nursing that you go into after graduation. Other considerations include your years of experience.

Recruiting Bonuses and Packages

Nursing recruitment perks can include starting bonuses, relocation help, tuition reimbursement, daycare, and help with housing. Bonuses can range anywhere from about $1,000 up to $20,000.

Travel Nurse Salary Incentives

Interested in a 13-week assignment with high pay? If you did a search for “How much money do travel RN’s make?”

Travel RNs can fill critical roles and can command higher salaries. Benefits include that hospitals may recruit for travel RN’s by offering lucrative starting salaries and hiring bonuses. Downsides include not knowing the staff, hospital layout or location. Traveler’s salaries include:

• Agency travel RNs can earn over $100,000.
• Glass Door states average salaries are $78,120 with the range from $52,000 to $93,000.
• PayScale sets the range from $43,207 to $106,926 based on hourly rates up to $49.88 and overtime up to $69.05 per hour.

How can you boost your travel nurse salary?

There are several ways to continually increase and maximize your travel nurse salary. The first place to start is by earning relevant certifications for your specialty. Then you need to be geographically flexible and prepared to act on an excellent assignment as when presented to you. You should be looking for assignments that provide new and challenging experiences at teaching and magnet hospitals whenever possible. Last, make sure you complete your assignment and leave a positive impact on the facility. References matter! 

Are you interested in learning more? Contact one of our recruiters or explore our recruiter fee job page displaying Location and Pay details.

Looking for the Best Nursing Agency?

Stability Healthcare can help you find the great assignments in the best hospitals nationwide. Stability Healthcare is the top nursing staffing agency in California and one of the fastest growing in the United States. They offer great compensation packages including high pay assignments, referral bonuses,  and great benefits.  Search for nursing jobs by job types like ER, OR, or L&D jobs. You can also search for nursing jobs by state or search by nursing salary. To start an exciting career in a field you enjoy, contact Stability Healthcare today!

Looking for a Travel Nursing Job? Learn How Technology and Stability Healthcare Work Together

“I was checking the job board for Stability! I really like the transparency, I can see if it’s something I’m interested with the pay package. Super helpful!”

“The recruiter free jobs platform is great. I have control on my job search now and it’s comforting knowing the weekly rates are listed.”

Stability Healthcare’s recruiter-free job search allows you to have the freedom to view jobs and rates of your choice. Our unique platform brings technology and job placements together in an efficient and easy way, giving YOU the control and access to your career goals. As a travel nurse you are always adapting to new environments and Stability Healthcare creates the ability to have control of it all.

Tablets, smartphones, electronic medical records and other new technologies have permeated many nurses’ professional and personal lives. Without a doubt, the introduction of new technologies have brought considerable changes to a nurse’s day-to-day life, and it’s also changing the way job placements are handled. For example, charts are now easier to read and lab results can be available in real time, minimizing potential errors.

“Everything in our lives is made simple by technology; finding a travel nurse job should be no different.”

How Does Technology Help The Job Process?

• Easy Research- Stability’s recruiter-free search means you can view the jobs you want at the rates that you want. You’re given the opportunity to explore for new information that may not have been available before.

• Better Communication- stay connected with Stability Healthcare at your fingertips. Technology makes communicating with our team and your future placement more efficient!

• Instant Online Rates- two words: pay transparency. Who doesn’t love that?

• Faster Interviews- search for your job online, enter information on your profile, and select your ideal job, city and pay. These are all things that make your interview process quicker.
• Everything In One Place- have all your questions answered by visiting our FAQ page.

If you’re looking for a travel nurse agency, new housing or a new city for a new adventure, look no further than Stability. Technology doesn’t make or break a nurse, but it certainly helps put you in control.

While we can all acknowledge the advantages of using technology, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Stability has made it simple and easy. You’ll have more time for yourself as well as your family or current job. This is what we all live for, right? You’re using technology everyday, so why not use it while comparing your next nursing placement?

As a travel nurse you are used to adapting to new environments, cities and processes. Technology is the same way. It’s always progressing and evolving. From finding friends to finding a new food spot or hiking place- there’s an app for everything these days. Let technology be useful in your professional life not just your personal life.

Want to keep up with Stability? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter or visit us at stabilityhealthcare.com

Finding the Right Work/Life Balance as a Travel Nurse

With all of the flexibility that being a travel nurse provides, it makes the perfect opportunity to have an exciting life outside of the hospital. Whether it’s having the time to take an overnight trip to a nearby national park or taking a few days to go to a local music festival, the opportunities are truly endless.

When starting a new rotation in a new city, work may become your main focus, but it is equally Twelve-hour work shifts can be tolling on the mind and body, and having a healthy lifestyle to balance out the stresses that can occur at work will keep you feeling good. Not only will maintaining a good work life balance keep you healthier, but it also has been proven that it increases work productivity.

Making sure you are living your best life outside of work is actually made easier as a travel nurse. There may be fears of not having friends in the city you choose and worrying you may start to feel alone, but we’ve put together some helpful tips on how you can make the most of your time outside of the hospital.

Join a club, volunteer group or organization

Every city or town you work in is guaranteed to have some sort of club or organization that you can join. Joining a group that has a common interest with you will give you the perfect opportunity to be around like minded people and will make for the perfect opportunity to make connections you can utilize outside of the group. Not only will this get you around some good people, but it also will give you something to look forward to from a weekly meeting to a group event. Check out sites like meetup.com for fun group activities.

Take advantage of travel nursing Facebook pages to find other travel nurses in your community

One of the many great things about Stability is our ever growing community of travel nurses. Liking our page, and joining our Facebook group is a great way to find other nurses in your area that are in the same boat as you are. The best part about that? They are new to the city too and are probably willing and ready to explore everything that the city has to offer, even those cheesy tourist things that locals may overlook.

Don’t be scared to do things alone

While hanging out with others, and making great connections with people in your area, it is important to remember that being alone is ok too! There tends to be a negative stigma around doing things alone, but in reality it is actually so important to be able to get out there and do things independently. Becoming comfortable with doing things alone will make settling in anywhere a lot easier and will let you do everything that you have on your bucket list without having to worry about if you can find a friend to check out that new restaurant on the corner near your apartment.

Make a bucket list for each placement

As mentioned in the following blurb, make a bucket list! This is a great way to make sure you are maximizing the opportunities wherever you are. From attending a professional sporting event to trying the special latte at that one coffee shop, write it all down and check things off as you go. That way, you are filling your off time with meaningful activities and you won’t leave missing out on anything that you really wanted to do or see.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Two Very Affordable Cities for a Travel Nurse on a Budget

Travel nursing is a fairly lucrative job, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to blow their entire paycheck just to pay rent or sacrifice your lifestyle choices just to live in an expensive city. There are plenty of ways to build a savings while you are on a travel nursing placement, and picking an affordable city is a great place to start. That’s why we’re sharing with you some of our top picks for affordable cities for your next placement.

Tulsa

Photo via blog.urbanoutfitters.com

Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second largest city, filled with a variety of different districts. From the Entertainment District where you can enjoy Tulsa’s nightlife to Utica Square where you can get your retail fill. Tulsa is great up and coming city, making it the perfect place to take a travel nursing placement.

While it doesn’t have the speed and rush of a bigger city, there is never a lack of things to do. They have a booming music scene with famous venues like Cain’s Ballroom. Tulsa is filled with all sorts of delicious food and drinks. There’s Hodge’s Bend for coffee and cocktails and a delicious, swanky brunch at the Tavern on Brady .

According to US News, the average income spent on living expenses is only 26.54 percent, leaving lots of money to save and spend on activities and that latte you know you need to fuel you through your shift. And the best part…there are tons of travel nursing placements in Tulsa and they all pay pretty well compared to the cost of living. Hillcrest Medical Center, Saint Francis Hospital.

Grand Rapids

Photo via travelandleisure.com

Grand Rapids, Michigan lies east of Lake Michigan and sits on the Grand River. Travel & Leisure named Grand Rapids one of America’s most underrated cities and we couldn’t agree more. The city is rich in culture and has enough museums alone to keep you busy on your off days. There are many draws to this city, especially including the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The gardens include art from several famous artists including Ai Weiwei and Henry Moore.

The Fulton Street Farmers Market is filled with an array of options from handmade crafts to fresh fruits and vegetables, making it the perfect place to spend your Saturday morning. Spend your Saturday night exploring the nightlife in Grand Rapids has to offer. It is best known for its many breweries scattered around the town. Breweries, farmers marketing, and history aren’t all this town has to offer, because just a short drive outside of the city there’s Millenium park where you can hike, lounge by the beach, or explore one of the several lakes.

According to US News, the average income spent on living expenses is only 25.36 percent, making this city not only a great place to live, but also an affordable one. The placements in Grand Rapids offer a good sized weekly pay that won’t have to get eaten by bills every month.

If you feel like trying out city life for a few weeks, head to stabilityhealthcare.com to request a quote and see what placements are available.

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