explore Tag

A How-to Guide: Surviving the Holidays as a Travel Nurse

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and you might be stuck at the hospital or away from friends and family. Being a travel nurse during the holiday season can be especially daunting, especially during a pandemic, but we’ve got some tips for surviving the holiday season. Take a look:

Prioritize + Take Care of Yourself

Get a good night’s (or day’s) rest  

1. Getting enough sleep is imperative to having enough energy throughout the day. If your schedule allows it, The New York Times sleep guide suggests trying to fall asleep and waking up roughly at the same time each day.
2.  Additionally, no screens a bit before bed can help put your mind at ease and help you to fall asleep faster. If you need to have your phone by you for the alarm, try putting it in your room but out of arm’s reach so you won’t be tempted to check social media before bed. 

Make time for exercise

1. If you exercise outside of your shift, The New York Times suggests working out in the morning. This typically leads to a more rewarding night’s sleep. According to a Vascular Health and Risk Management study, adults who exercised around 7 am typically got a better night’s rest. 
2. Exercising doesn’t mean you have to go to a gym. It can be as simple as going for a long walk or playing a socially distant sport. The CDC explains that “Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better.”

Relaxation and Self-Care

1. Mediation just isn’t for yogi and spiritual people. It has numerous health benefits, especially for stressed-out travel nurses. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health points out that “There is moderate evidence that meditation improves symptoms of anxiety. A 2014 review of the literature found that mindfulness meditation programs had moderate evidence of improved anxiety, depression, and pain, and low evidence of improved stress/distress and mental health-related quality of life.”
2. The New York Times has a great guide for those interested in meditating. Since travel nurses are busy, especially during holidays, it’s important to note that “setting aside time for formal meditation is an important way to establish a routine and get comfortable with the practice. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference” (New York Times). 

Virtually connect with friends and family

1. Realistically, as a travel nurse, you most likely won’t be able to be around friends and family for the holidays. This is the perfect time to schedule some holiday facetime or phone calls or shoot a friend a text. 
2. Crafting an old fashioned letter never goes out of style. Not only is it a thoughtful way of communicating, but you have the chance to pick up and use cute holiday stamps!
3. No matter what religion or holiday you practice, sending holiday packages to friends and family can be a gentle reminder you’re thinking of them. Opening gifts doesn’’t have to just be under the Christmas tree, on a special day, or on a birthday! Schedule a group zoom to see reactions to the treats you buy them. 

Don’t Forget the Holiday Spirit

Treat Yourself

1. Don’t forget about yourself, treat yourself! There’s a long list of websites with creative self-care guides, such as Refinery29, Marie Claire, The Manual, Men’s Health, and more. Self-care isn’t just limited to vegging out and eating ice cream (although those are certainly reasonable!). Self-care is tailored to you, so choose a socially-distant activity to do on a day off that makes you feel good. 
2. Buy yourself something nice! While being a travel nurse, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself during a hectic time. If you want a creative way of finding gifts to treat yourself, there’s plenty of gift guides during the holiday season. If you need ideas, our very own Stability Healthcare blog has a list full of them.  Vogue, Refinery29, Buzzfeed, and Self are a few more gift guides to browse. 

Bring Holiday Joy to the Unit

1. There’s no better way to bring positive energy than to have a little fun. Make decorations to lift spirits in the unit – here are some fun ideas.
2. Find some festive attire! While you’ll still need to wear your scrubs and adhere to hospital policy, there are fun ways to get creative on the holidays. Decorate your badge with candy canes, wear festive headbands – reindeer horns, elf ears, Christmas tree lights, the possibilities are endless!
3. Bring in treats for your unit. For some inspiration take a look at our article on tips for bringing in holiday goodies! With COVID, protocol in your hospital might look a little different than normal so be sure to check on what rules are in place ahead of time.

Decorate Your Living Situation

1. You don’t have to go above and beyond, but even a little garland or some string lights can lift your mood.
2. If you don’t want any extra decor, throw some Christmas music on the speakers and some cookies in the oven to set the mood.
3. Cozy up your space for the winter so you can feel your most comfortable – here are some tips. 

Ready to start the travel nursing journey? Head to our website to see open roles. 

Read More

What Flu Season Means for Nurses in 2020

For most people, fall means orange leaves, pumpkin-spiced lattes, cute knit scarves, and scary movies, but for nurses, this is the season of crowded emergency rooms and clinics filled with folks running fevers and coughing. That’s right: it’s the dreaded flu season. And this year will invariably be worse than most flu and cold seasons we’ve experienced in the past. With the drier air comes a faster spread of both the regular seasonal flu and COVID-19. It will undoubtedly be a busy season for travel nurses, who are already in high demand around flu season. 

Here’s what nurses should be prepared for as we head into the colder weather. 

First, a little bit of hope: If COVID-19 restrictions stay in place (or tighten) it’s possible we’ll see fewer cases of the flu.

Considering how well the U.S. is doing with containing the spread of COVID-19 (not great, considering we have 4 percent of the world’s population and 21 percent of its coronavirus deaths), this might be a little optimistic. However, countries in the Southern Hemisphere who are already well into their flu season have reported fewer flu cases because of travel restrictions, social distancing, and wearing masks. 

But as the weather gets colder, outside gathering options will be limited, and likely more people will be inside together. So the latter could cancel out the former. It remains to be seen. 

Get your placements in order now.

Hospitals are already working to bulk up their staff in anticipation of a hectic cold and flu season. If you specialize in ICU or the Emergency Department, you’re in extremely high demand. Now is the time to figure out where you really want to be right now as a travel nurse, because it’s likely that there are spots open almost anywhere. That might not be the case a month or even a few weeks from now as spots fill up, so start putting in for the placements you want now. 

Your patients can be infected with both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

The CDC has confirmed that, yes, it is possible to contract two viruses at once. This will mean patients will need careful treatment from healthcare professionals who can diagnose symptoms of both viruses. It also means that several people will likely have to be hospitalized more than once, making emergency rooms and ICUs even more crowded.  

Don’t forget to vaccinate!

While we might not have a vaccine for COVID-19 yet, we certainly have one for the flu this season. If you haven’t already, get yours now! According to the CDC, everyone should get their annual flu vaccine by the end of October. And keep in mind that it takes about two weeks after getting your shot for antibodies to develop. So don’t go thinking you’re immune right after getting vaccinated. 

 

Want to secure your dream placement as flu season begins? Check out Stability’s list of high-paying placements here. 

Read More

Discounts & Freebies to Celebrate Nurses Week 2020

Right now, healthcare workers are marching on the frontlines of fighting a global pandemic. May 6, commemorates National Nurses Day, and now more than ever, we should celebrate. While many states and local governments canceled events to celebrate the occasion, these businesses are still cheering up healthcare workers by offering amazing discounts and freebies during Nurses Week and the rest of the month. 

Nurses Week Deals

Most of these companies are helping nurses and healthcare workers through discounts, donations, and special deals to thank them for their service. This Nurses Week, sales are reaching an all-time high with more businesses joining the party. 

Adidas: Currently offering a 40% discount to all verified healthcare workers, including nurses, paramedics, and first responders. All you need is a valid ID and visit: https://www.adidas.com/us/discount-programs.

Mrs. Fields: Through the end of May, healthcare workers can use the code NURSEs and receive a 25% discount on their “Heroes Collection” sweets. 

Nursing.com: Are you a nursing student? Then Nursing.com is here to help. They’re currently offering a 36% discount plus a 7-day free trial to their Nursing Student Academy.

Nike: For a limited time, you can receive a 20% discount code to healthcare workers and first responders. 

OtterBox: As a thank you to all frontline workers, OtterBox is giving away a 40% discount code to use on all their products. 

The North Face: For the rest of the year, The North Face will offer healthcare workers a 50% discount online. For details, please visit their offer page. 

Uniform Advantage: To celebrate Nurses Week, Uniform Advantage is giving 30%-50% discounts on nursing scrubs.

Vohra Wound Care: Continue your education and further your career with this FREE Vohra Wound Care Certification Program. Also, to receive 20 CNE credits, use promo code “COVIDNURSE50” for a $50 discount on any educational package.

Nurses Week Freebies

Beyond sales, some companies are helping healthcare workers and nurses by offering free services and products. From coffee to hotel rooms and flights, these are the companies celebrating Nurses Week with plenty of freebies.

Chipotle: On May 6, to celebrate National Nurses Day, verified healthcare workers can receive a FREE burrito. Check Chipotle’s offer website for details. 

Circle K: Stop by any location and enjoy FREE coffee or tea when presenting your worker’s ID.

Crocs: The shoe giant has been quite the supporting friend to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Every day at 12 p.m. ET the brand offers free shoes to healthcare workers through the offer website.  

Delta Airlines: While they’re not offering a vacation, they’re helping healthcare workers get to the cities that need them the most, currently offering FREE services to those going to Georgia, Louisiana, and Michigan. Please visit their website for details. 

Dunkin’:  Vist any location on May 6 and receive a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut — no purchase necessary. 

Hilton Hotels: Working with American Express, the hotel chain is offering up to 1 million rooms to healthcare workers traveling to be on the frontlines of the pandemic. The offer will be valid until the end of May and might be the best solution for travel nurses. 

H&R Block: Throughout May, healthcare workers can file both federal and state tax returns for FREE using H&R Block’s Tax Pro Go.

Lyft Scooters: If you’re currently working in Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, Metro DC, San Diego, and Santa Monica, enjoy a 30-minute FREE Lyft scooter drive. 

Krispy Kreme: Every Monday until May 11, first responders and healthcare workers can receive FREE dozens at any Krispy Kreme location. All you need is to show your identification badge. 

Marriott Hotels: Also, in partnership with American Express, the hotel chain will open up to $10 million in rooms for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who have to move during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

OYO Hotels: All active medical personnel can request FREE room stays in the U.S. at any OYO Hotel location. 

Red Roof Inn: Until the end of the month, Red Roof Inn will donate several rooms to healthcare workers. Plus, they’ll continue to offer a 20% discount to first responders and medical personnel. 

Sheetz: Stay awake with this offer from Sheetz. Until June, nurses and healthcare workers can get a FREE coffee kick when showcasing their badge. 

Snickers: Treat yourself to something sweet. Snickers is giving out FREE vouchers that can be redeemed at Walmart to healthcare workers and nurses. To get your coupon visit, https://sendasnickersfromhome.com/

Starbucks: Since the pandemic started, the coffee giant has been there for first responders and healthcare workers. Stop by any location and enjoy FREE coffee to help you stay awake and moving. 

Talkspace: There’s no doubt that the mental health impact this pandemic has on nurses, and first responders is unmeasurable. Talkspace, a mental health app, understands this very well. The app is offering one month FREE to anyone that signs up using an NPI or a work badge identification. 

Tide: The last thing in your mind is laundry. Tide is here to help you keep your and your family’s clothes clean. Until May 9, Tide will offer FREE laundry services and dry cleaning to the families of healthcare workers. 

Uber: The giant ride-sharing company is offering medical personnel, first responders, nurses, doctors, and at-home physicians FREE rides, as well as FREE rides for patients with UberHealth, and FREE UberEats deliveries. 

Celebrate a Nurse this Week

To all healthcare workers, first responders, and travel nurses in the frontlines of COVID-19, we salute you. Use these discounts, freebies, and special offers to celebrate your greatness and continue lifting your spirit. From all of us here at Stability, we, thank you. 

 

Read More

Tips for Bringing Along Your Pet

A huge plus of being a travel nurse is your ability to bring along a pet. Stability Healthcare advocates for bringing your pet with you, whether you find housing through Stability or through other methods. According to the National Institutes of Health, “animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.” Additionally, they can decrease stress and even help lower blood pressure.

In these trying times where we can’t spend time with the ones we love (in person), a pet is a great buddy to quarantine with. So, whether you’re traveling with your family or by yourself, bringing along an extra companion can help you acclimate. However, there are factors, and a few tips, you should keep in mind while traveling with pets:

 

Make sure your specific housing can accommodate your pet.

 

Before you commit to your housing, give their pet policy a close read and make sure having a pet is allowed. Many places will have certain restrictions – such as breed if it’s a dog, animal size, or the number of animals on the premises. Additionally, they may have a monthly pet fee, or a pet deposit, that they’ll require you to pay. This fee can differ greatly amongst properties. If you’re staying in a hotel, certain rooms are designated for pet owners, while others are not. If you’re confused, reach out to the property owner for guidance. And, as Stability Healthcare says, if you’re working in an exotic location, check out any quarantine rules that you may have to abide by. An example of a place where this might apply might be Hawaii. 

 

Consider whether your housing is safe for you pet.

 

Just because your housing allows pets, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe for them. For example, if you have a dog, you need to make sure that it will have plenty of space to move around. This includes an area for them to relieve themselves, an adequate place for you to walk them, etc. The neighborhood should also be at the forefront of your mind – if you don’t feel safe walking around at night, you certainly won’t feel safe walking around your pet! If you’re bringing along a dog, check to see if there is a dog park nearby or other places like a dog-friendly beach or bar. 

 

Are there amenities for you and your pet nearby?

 

It would be a drag if the nearest pet store was a long trek from your housing. While choosing your housing, browse the area and see if there are any places you can easily stock up on supplies for your pet. This is important for a wide range of pets – dogs, cats, amphibians, fish, etc. If you have a more exotic animal, whose supplies may be harder to come by, call local places and see what they have in stock ahead of time. 

 

How to transport your animal to your new work location

 

Airlines

Although a lot of airlines offer animal travel with a fee, some don’t. If you plan on flying with your animal, thoroughly research if the airline you’d like to use allows it. Larger animals, like big dogs, will have extra fees or will not be able to take a flight. You’re pet may not be able to fly with you if they don’t fit the airlines’ age requirement. Additionally, you will need to call your airline representative ahead of flying, usually two or more days in advance, and you will need to bring your pet to the vet and get a health certification. 

All of these rules can differ between airlines, but the gist is the same. Typically, a ton of info can be found on the airlines’ website. American Airlines, for example, has a tab specifically for flying with animals.  Although many airlines have very specific requirements, like kennel size, health certificate requirements, etc., it’s definitely worth it to bring along your companion.

U-Haul

If you’re packing up your belongings and using a U-Haul to move, they do allow pets! Their website offers a ton of great tips that are specific to moving your animal with a U-Haul. It should be noted that animals shouldn’t be put in the cargo area of the car/truck, and should be kept separate from furniture and your belongings. There should be plenty of room on the seat next to you to put a kennel, cage, or crate. And, on the plus side, if your animal is a dog who is fine with being in a car, it can sit shotgun next to you! Just make sure to purchase a seat belt adapter ahead of time. 

Your own car

The best method of transportation is the one that’s safest for you and your animal. Typically, being able to transport you animal in your own car or a familiar car is ideal. This way, if you need to stop and allow your animals to relieve themselves, or if you animal is say, a parrot that makes a lot of noise, you won’t be worried about disturbing others. You’ll also be able to bring a ton of supplies with you, like that big bag of cat food or box of toys for your bird. 

Other methods of travel

There are a few other methods of travel that you can use to bring your pet. Check their respective websites to see their policies: 

• Amtrak
• Greyhound Bus (service animals only)
• Uber Pet

Overall…

Stability Healthcare is a great supporter of travel nurses bringing along their pets. Allow yourself plenty of time to research the pet policy of your housing and transportation method. It can be a lot of work, however, having your pet with you is worth it and can help you more easily acclimate into your new work location. 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Read More

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! 

View this post on Instagram

Dip into some of our Strawberry Preserves to celebrate National Strawberry Day today! 🍓

A post shared by Loveless Cafe (@lovelesscafe) on Feb 27, 2020 at 10:01am PST

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. 

View this post on Instagram

BRB, just running to the clouds ☁️☁️ A Nashville travel guide will be hitting the blog later this week ✨

A post shared by Sara Kauten (@sarakauten) on Feb 3, 2020 at 6:11pm PST

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. 

View this post on Instagram

Show us your grub! Tag @martinsbbq for a chance to be featured on our page.​⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸: @tooomuchfoood​

A post shared by Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint (@martinsbbq) on Feb 26, 2020 at 11:02am PST

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!

 

Read More

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. 

View this post on Instagram

Golden hour looks good on you, Milwaukee.

A post shared by Cafe Benelux (@cafebenelux) on Aug 27, 2019 at 2:01pm PDT

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.

View this post on Instagram

New mission alert! Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day tomorrow at SafeHouse Milwaukee. We're counting on you, agents. 🍔 😎 #nationalcheeseburgerday #delicious #downtownmilwaukee #mke #foodie #greatrestaurant #spy #travel #adventure #exploremke #password #secretagent

A post shared by SafeHouse (@safehousemke) on Sep 17, 2019 at 3:42pm PDT

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!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Read More

Tips for Traveling Alone

Traveling by yourself can be intimidating, and if you’re a travel nurse in a new city, it can be especially so! It may seem scary at first, but the opportunities you receive as a travel nurse are certainly worth it.  There are several ways that you can be safer while traveling alone. Below are a few tips, plus a few fun suggestions, that will help ease your mind. Remember, if you have any specific questions, head on over to the Stability Healthcare website or ask your recruiter for more information. 

Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood

Chances are you’ll be working in a neighborhood that you’ve never lived in.  If you have the opportunity to check out the neighborhood prior to moving, you should do so. This way, you can get a feel for the area before you commit to housing. Does the neighborhood feel relatively safe? If you’re taking public transit, is it far from the bus/train stop? Does the neighborhood look taken care of? These are all aspects you want to consider. Depending on which city you’re in, neighborhood safety can also change block by block. A neighborhood at night can seem very different than a neighborhood during the day. Take a walk at all times of the day. Look online to see if you can find any first-hand stories from those who live in the neighborhood. The best place to get factual information is to either experience it yourself or to talk to someone who has. 

Keep your belongings on you safe

If you’re walking alone, make sure that whatever bag you’re storing your items in is secure. Refrain from using open-top bags like tote bags. Instead, use a backpack with a zipper or a side bag that you can fasten. Keep all of your valuables in the main pouch of a backpack, and at the bottom of your bag. Instead of carrying your wallet or cellphone in your pocket, make sure it’s also secure in your bag. Overall, pack light. This will help prevent any pickpocketing. 

Always carry your cell phone and have a portable charger

Sometimes it’s tempting to leave your phone at home to disconnect from the world of social media or to clear your head, but it’s always safer to bring it with you. You never know when you may need it, like in case of an emergency or if you need to Uber home instead of taking transit. It’s also incredibly helpful for directions. A portable charger will help ensure that your phone is always able to be used. It also comes in handy if you decide to adventure after your shift and you need to be able to get home in an unfamiliar neighborhood. 

Pack smart

Pack smart, not heavy. This especially rings true if you’re traveling for a shorter amount of time. Instead of traveling with valuables – like televisions, other large electronics, expensive jewelry, etc. – leave them in a trusted area or with a trusted person. This will not only help you be less of a target for burglary, but it will also help you move easier. Only take the necessities. If you’re working in the summer in California, you most likely won’t be needing that heavy down jacket or mittens. If you’re in Maine in the winter, you won’t be needing those flips flops. Look ahead and plan out what you’re bringing so you don’t over or under pack. 

Plan out a budget

Sitting down and looking at your finances is extremely important when it comes to being a travel nurse. You want to accommodate for all of the necessities – housing, food, activities, insurance, etc. It’s best to sit down and write everything down so you know what to expect and how much you can spend. Account for more spending than you think you will. Surprise expenses always pop-up, and since you’ll be alone, you’ll have to hold yourself accountable. 

Take advantage of traveling alone, but when you do, let someone know where you are going

One of the biggest benefits of traveling alone is the ability to do what you want to do. Try that funky restaurant down the street, check out that movie you’ve been meaning to see, or visit that national park a short driveway. Your time outside of your shift is yours and only yours to use! Just make sure to let someone know where you’re going if it’s for an extended period of time. On most smartphones you can share your location with someone, allowing them to check on you periodically. This is beneficial when you’re traveling alone, or in case something happens and you need help. In particular, sharing your location is important if you’re doing a physical activity that will place you out of your comfort zone, like hiking or camping. 

Scared you’ll get lonely? Consider a pet

There are many opportunities for a travel nurse to bring a pet. If you’re worried that you’ll be lonely or feel like a pet (like a dog) might make you feel safer, consider bringing your furry friend along with you! Just make sure that your position and housing will allow you to travel with an animal beforehand. 

Meet other travel nurses and friends along the way

If you’re looking to adventure while you’re a travel nurse, make friends! Just because you may be traveling to a new city alone, doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. At the end of the day, the safest option is to do activities with others. While you’re a travel nurse, you have plenty of opportunities to meet people, whether they’re other travel nurses or if they frequent the same café down the street like you do. Be smart about meeting people, but be open to it. 

 

Are you feeling inspired to pack your bags and hit the road on your next placement? Stability Healthcare can help you find your next placement!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Read More

Best Cities for Travel Nurses to Check Out This Spring

Perhaps, the biggest perk of being a travel nurse is the flexibility to choose your schedule. Travel nurses get to explore the world while fulfilling their career and passion. If you’re looking for your spring assignments, why not pair your destination with the right city to visit during this season. Check out these top-ranking cities to visit during spring, and whether you’re going on an assignment or as personal leisure, you’re bound to enjoy these cities at their fullest potential. 

1. Manhattan, New York

Let’s start with New York City. During spring, you get a quieter time in the city, with fewer people overall. Not to mention, the weather is divine, not too hot or too cold, just between the 50s and low 70s. Walk around the bloomed city and embrace spring at its finest by taking a stroll down Central Park. 

Don’t miss the orchid show at the New York Botanical Garden, when thousands of orchids from around the world transform the garden into a majestic tropical jungle. In the subject of flowers, stop by the Macy’s flower show and see close to a million flowers perfectly laid out around the store. 

Enjoy the weather and take a short trip to Conney Island and explore New York from a different point of view. Finally, take advantage of the multiple spring festivals, and art shows happening around the city for a complete cultural experience. 

2. Breckenridge, Colorado

Known as one of the most charming small towns to visit in Colorado, this ski-season favorite is also a must-visit in spring. Not only will lodging be at its cheapest, but you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful weather as you explore this town. 

Don’t miss the Breck spring Beer Festival for a unique artisanal experience. And enjoy some music with the Bud Light Concert Series, usually happening throughout spring. 

If you want to live a more adventurous vacation, consider X-country (Nordic skiing), a type of skiing in which the toe of the boot is fixed to the binding in a manner that allows the heel to rise off the ski. Spring-time is the best time of the year to practice this style.

3. Sedona, Arizona

Get ready for a vacation that will blow your mind. Explore the openness and serenity of Arizona and get lost in its trails and canyons. With over more than 100 hiking trails, there always something exciting to try around here. Spring-time is peak season in Arizona thanks to its gorgeous weather, so make sure to plan your stay. 

For baseball fans, Arizona is also home to Spring Training practices and games, making it the perfect city to visit during this time of the year. 

Overall, you can choose from hiking, horseback riding, or just basking in the amazingness these natural mountains have to offer. Ask around and get an extensive list of all the national parks worth visiting in the area — none will disappoint. 

Finally, take some time to relax! Sedona is home to celebrity-worthy spas and retreat hotels. Unplug from everything and enjoy a well-deserved vacation at one of their famous boutique spas. 

4. Washington, D.C.

While Washington is a city you can visit year-round, spring is mainly a beautiful season to do so. First of all, the entire town is covered by blossoming cherry trees all over that give this ethereal and magical background to a somewhat cold-looking city. Not to mention, the weather is divine during this time of the year, usually in the high 50s and low 70s. 

While you’re there, give yourself a few days to stop by and visit the dozens of historic landmarks. Honestly, it might seem that everywhere you look, you’re staring at a bit piece of history. From the White House to the Capitol and every other museum in between, there are countless opportunities for you to get in touch with your cultural side while visiting Washington. 

Before you leave, make sure to stop by Georgetown. This small but crowded area is a must-see while in Washington. Experience a more youthful vibe to the city and bask in the beautiful colorful-painted doors that line up the streets. Stop by a few local bars, and don’t forget to enjoy some shopping at some of the local boutiques. 

 

Remember to reach out to Stability to see if we can help you schedule your assignments during spring at one of these must-visit cities. Make the most out of your role as a travel nurse by exploring the world at the same time.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Read More

Tips For Finding the Best Travel Nurse Housing

After working a long shift, you’re going to want to put up your feet and relax in a comfortable atmosphere. Luckily, there are several ways you can find the perfect housing for yourself. When looking for housing, you should write out a list of must-have features, such as your desired distance from the facility you’re working at, amenities you need (laundry on-site, a dishwasher, etc.), how much space you want, and whatever else you consider to be necessary for your living space. After you curate a list, you can turn to these methods of searching to find housing that checks off all of your must-haves:

AirBnB

AirBnB is a great option for housing, especially for a shorter-term placement. The website is easy to navigate, allowing a user to select a city (worldwide!), designate price range, view photos of the unit, and more. Their search tool is extremely customizable. It includes options to narrow down specifics, such as property type, extra amenities like a full kitchen, wifi, parking, and more. You can also choose to rent a full unit, like an entire house, or just a solo room. Additionally, for travel nurses looking for even more adventure on top of their traveling, more recreational-oriented stays are available from bungalows to tiny houses. 

Craigslist

Craigslist is one of the most common search engines to find housing. There are plenty of gems posted by users, including long term rentals, short term sublets, and singular rooms for rent. Craigslist is worldwide and you can narrow your search down by city. There is an interactive map which shows which neighborhood the listing appears, usually on the street that the unit is on, so you can get a broad overview of where the unit is in relation to other places in the city. This makes it easier to see how far your rental will be from the facility you’re working at or the distance from places you frequent. There is also a list view if you prefer to view your options in that format. 

HotPads

HotPads is geared towards those looking for a more straightforward rental. Although it’s mostly used to find apartments, more traditional homes are also available. On their website, there are a ton of unique, helpful tools, such as a commute time calculator. HotPads was created by three college students looking for housing themselves, so you know it’s focused on making things as easy for its users as possible. 

Furnished Finder

Furnished Finder is a very common search tool for travel nurses and medical staffing companies. Furnished Finder is made specifically for traveling professionals, and excludes those who are looking to vacation. If you don’t want to manually search yourself, you can simply submit a housing request with your living space must-haves. Furnished Finder will alert property owners that fit in your criteria and directly connect you. As an added benefit, their Resources tab provides a significant amount of information, like how to stay safe and avoid scams while searching. 

Overall tips and tricks to finding housing

1. If you’re worried about moving costs, keep in mind that Stability Healthcare provides up to $600 in travel reimbursements for your assignment. Additionally, if you find your own housing, you may be eligible for a lodging subsidy. 
2. Stay safe and trust your gut. Most often, your instincts will be right. If a unit seems too good to be true, it’s best to look at other options. If you are able to check out the unit before moving in, view the unit with a friend or partner. Never meet with a stranger alone. 
3. Don’t forget about hotels! Some hotels offer discounts for those who are staying for an extended period of time. Most hotels have wifi, restaurants, a room-keeping service, etc. They also tend to be more flexible if something comes up and you have to cancel your stay.  
4. Check to see if the unit comes furnished or not. If you would prefer to skip the heavy lifting, see which units come fully furnished. 
5. If you are able to, check out the neighborhood before moving in. Does it seem safe? Is the street quiet? Is there night-life nearby that you’d like to join in on? Not only is your actual unit important, but the atmosphere it’s in is also extremely important. If you can’t physically go check out the neighborhood, check online to see feedback from those who have lived there or who are currently living there. 
6. Ask other travel nurses. The best way to get reliable information is from people who are currently working in your position. If you’re able to, ask them for advice or recommendations.

 

Stability Healthcare is an industry leader in travel nursing. If you’re looking for more resources, read more on our blog. You’ll find everything from Tips for Surviving the Night Shift to How to Navigate Health Insurance. 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Read More

Travel Nursing as a Couple – How to Make It Work

The field of travel nursing is fascinating for many. However, when it comes to relationships, things can get a bit challenging. Travel nursing involves many months away from home, different working hours, and continually moving from one city to another. These are things that can put pressure on couples. If you’re determined to make travel nursing as a couple work for the both of you, keep reading. 

When You’re a Travel Nursing Couple

In an ideal situation, you both are travel nurses, which means you both understand the perks link to the career, as well as the downsides. When you’re both travel nurses, it’s easier to navigate the system to make it work.

Finding Assignments

While challenging, you could try to find assignments that help you be closer together. In this case, it’s best to work with the same travel nursing agency, as they’ll be able to work with both of you in finding the right type of assignments. 

However, you also want to be flexible about the arrangements. In a perfect world, you’ll both have the same shift. But, in most cases, you’ll have to be a bit more flexible on shift hours if you want to have a higher chance of finding the same hospital or city. 

Finally, be open about your plan with the agency. Let them know that you’re interested in finding an opportunity alongside your partner. If you’re both excellent nurses, it will be to their advantage to hire you both. As always, be flexible about the options. Just finding a job in the same city should be enough to help you make it work.  

Arranging the Housing

One of the perks of being a traveling nurse couple is that you get to save on housing. There are many options to choose from. Some travel nursing agencies, have housing options, and are more than happy to assist you in finding a home for your assignments. 

One of you can accept the housing offered by the agency while the other accepts stipend housing. This is an excellent option if you share your income. If you don’t choose the house by the agency, you can still find a tax-free housing stipend and split the cost of the rent. 

Again, if you’re working with the right agency and the right recruiter, arranging housing as a traveling nurse couple won’t be an issue. 

When Only One of You Is a Travel Nurse

In the case that only one of your works as a travel nurse, things can get a bit more challenging. As you probably already know, travel nurses have very flexible schedules and living arrangements. Fitting a couple-situation into this scenario requires a compromise on both ends of the relationship to make it work.

Someone Has to Compromise

Thankfully, travel nurses have a fantastic salary, health benefits, and other perks through their employment. One could say it’s enough for the other partner to leave their job and choose to travel with their partner on their assignment. In this case, someone has to make a compromise and decide if that’s what they want to do. 

The partner without the job can become the travel assistant of the relationship. While so many agencies work with travel nurses to make their assignments as smooth as possible, it’s nice to have someone you trust help with all the travel arrangements. They can be the travel support person, who takes control of some of the logistics involved with moving to a new city, working at a new place, and so on. Plus, this will also give them a sense of purpose in your assignments. 

Look for Alternative Options

Thanks to the new gig-based economy, non-travel nurse partners can also be productive and generate income. With ride-sharing apps, delivery services, and other gig-based jobs available, they don’t have to rely on a specific employer location to have a job. 

Talk with your partner and see if they’d be interested in taking on some of these jobs while you’re on assignment. Hopefully, your salary as a travel nurse covers both of your expenses, so whatever your partner gets through their gigs is an additional income you both could use.  

While challenging, traveling nurse couples can still live a normal lifestyle and enjoy their relationship without compromising their career. Working with a trustworthy and flexible agency is the key to making it work. If you still have questions about becoming a travel nurse as a couple, contact our representatives. They are always available to help answer any of your questions. 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates!

Read More