travel rn Tag

Nursing Advocacy for LGBTQ+ 

Since 1969, we have designated June as Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and pursue equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. However, the LGBTQIA+ community faces ongoing discrimination and stigma in our society, even in healthcare. The American Nurses Association (ANA) “condemns discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression in health care and recognizes that it continues to be an issue despite the increasing recognition and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ populations.” It’s an important month to remind healthcare providers of the health disparities in the LGBTQIA+ community and educate ourselves on ways to be better advocates. 

Health Care Challenges 

Everyone who needs medical care should receive it without being mistreated, discriminated against, or denied access. Yet, researchers have found inequality in health care, which endangers and affects the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ community. This impact can discourage people from seeking health care. The ANA is continuously spreading systemic awareness and creating a safe and inclusive health care environment for everyone. As a healthcare professional, there are ways to advocate for this marginalized community on an individual level. 

Recommendations

Educate + Advocacy 

It is crucial to stay up-to-date on basic LGBTQIA+ terms, language, and definitions as a health care professional. Staying knowledgeable creates a closer bond with your patient, identifies potential mental and physical health risks, and creates a generally more inclusive and safe environment.

Take advantage of the many resources and hotlines to further your knowledge: 

• Trevor Project: leading organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25 
• American Medical Association: Creating an LGBTQ-Friendly Practice
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: LGBT Health Services 
• Nurses Health Education About LGBT Elders 
• The World Professional Association for Transgender Health: Standards of Care 
• National LGBT Health Education Center

Create an inclusive space 

We all want to feel comfortable, and it is difficult when the space is unknown or uninviting. And years and years of discrimination doesn’t help either. Create a safe place in the hospital, whether that be in the waiting room or medical facility such as: 

• Unisex restrooms
• LGBTQIA+ flags or other symbols that represent inclusiveness
• Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies 
• Preferred contacts and support systems (LGBTQ+ community more likely to create a chosen family) 
• Establish pronouns prior. Always include your pronouns as well. 

Respect

Putting in the time to educate oneself and creating an inclusive space isn’t enough. Ultimately, a nurse must respect every one of their patient’s gender identity and sexual orientation. This means settings aside one’s personal and religious beliefs in the process. The best strategy is to be unassuming and gender fluid in our language, ask open-ended questions and maintain a non-judgmental behavior. Therefore, creating an enjoyable and safe experience for LGBTQIA+ patients, so they can continue seeking medical attention. Share your pronouns on your name tag or in your introduction to open up a safe and welcoming space. 

All in all, this is an important topic that takes time, patience, and continuous knowledge to stay informed. As nurses, it’s your professional responsibility to ensure all patients are provided with medical care. As the Code of Ethics For Nurses states, “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for every person’s inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes. 

Any advice we’re missing? Let us know!

Tips for Summer Skincare for on the Road Travel Nurses

Taking Care of Your Mental Health as a Travel Nurse

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During this time, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) “fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.” For travel nurses, this last year (and beyond) were particularly stressful why they were combatting the pandemic. Travel nurses were forced to face more isolation and stress than usual and were often working incredibly long, arduous shifts. This month is a great time to reset your mental health and prioritize adding healthy practices into your daily routine. There are other Stability articles, like “Stress Reducing Tips for Travel Nurses,” that can be used as references and guides, but look below for further tips on how to take care of your mental health as a travel nurse. 

The Stats

Firstly, it’s important to know that people who suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety are not alone. According to NAMI, at least 21% of all adults in the United States are affected by some type of mental illness. The two that seem to affect the most people across a 12 month span are anxiety disorders (19%) and depression (8%). NAMI offers plenty of infographics that relay information on estimates of how many people are affected in the states. 

Why is Taking Care of Your Mental Health Important? 

According to a study found on the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health website, “mental illness-related stigma, including that which exists in the healthcare system and among healthcare providers, has been identified as a major barrier to access treatment and recovery, as well as poorer quality physical care for persons with mental illnesses. Stigma also impacts help-seeking behaviors of health providers themselves and negatively mediates their work environment.” Not only does poor mental health affect your ability to take care of yourself, but as a travel nurse, it can affect the quality of care you give your patients. 

Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses

Use talk apps like BetterHealth. 

It might feel hard for a travel nurse to find a counselor or therapist to talk to regularly while on assignment. However, modern technology provides licensed therapists via apps, like BetterHealth. Each counselor on BetterHealth are licensed professionals and must provide proper documentation to work through BetterHealth. There are a few different ways people can speak with BetterHealth professionals, including messaging, phone calls, and video conferencing. Cost varies from $60-$80 a week. 

Journal as much as you can.

As the University of Rochester Medical Center points out, journaling can “[help] you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns,” “[track] any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them,” and “[provide] an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors.” Across many medical studies and reputable sources, journaling time and time again has proven to be a beneficial practice. Journaling can be tailored to the specific person – it can be daily, weekly, freeform, structured, etc. If you receive counseling through a talk app like BetterHealth, they may give you prompts to get you started. 

Pamper yourself!

Each person has a different way of pampering themselves, but here are a few ideas: 1) Take an epsom salt bath. This is particularly good for tired muscles, which a lot of travel nurses have after working long shifts. As Healthline points out, epsom salt is “thought to soothe tired muscles and reduce swelling.” 2) Plan a special night in. A day off can be a mini stay-cation including favorite foods, rented movies, a glass of wine, or a good read. 3) Get a massage. Like epsom salt baths, getting a massage from a professional masseuse can help relieve tension in the body, which can help alleviate mental tension. 4) Exercise! This doesn’t have to be lifting weights at a gym (although that is great, too). Exercise is found in many forms, like brisk walking, sports, swimming, etc. 

Stay connected. 

As demonstrated throughout the pandemic, staying connected with friends, family, and loved ones is extremely important. According to the American Psychological Association, there’s evidence linking social isolation “with adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life,” all of which can lead to mental health issues. It might seem difficult to do for travel nurses because of long shifts, some of which last through odd hours, but it’s very important to schedule time to chat with people. Luckily, the world is in a modern age, which is helpful to stay socially connected. 

If you’re struggling, speak with a doctor. 

Travel nurses are no stranger to those struggling mentally. There’s an unfortunate stigma surrounding mental health issues, but it is okay, and highly encouraged, to seek out medical care if you feel like you need help. Websites like Psychology Today offer free databases of therapists and psychiatrists that can be reached out to. There are plenty of online resources to get someone started if they’re seeking out care for their mental health. 

All in all, Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time for a person to reset and refocus on themselves. Small steps can lead to big changes and can be beneficial for a person’s overall mental health. Being a travel nurse can be stressful, especially on the outskirts of a pandemic, so it’s especially important for people to remember to prioritize their own health. 

Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Nurses

Postpartum nurses are a critical player in the process of the birth of a newborn. Their unique set of skills prepares them to work in various medical environments to provide care to mothers and babies. A career as a postpartum nurse is gratifying, rewarding, and filled with opportunities. If you’re interested in a nursing career in this field, keep reading to learn more about becoming a postpartum nurse.

What is a Postpartum Nurse?

As their name implies, postpartum nurses are medical professionals that specialize in postpartum care. They tend to mothers and newborns during the days following the birth. Postpartum nurses have the basic skills of any other specialty, but they also watch out for complications and emergencies. Postpartum nurses also help new mothers learn how to care for their infants and practice self-care during the postpartum process. 

National average salary: $100,695 per year

Job outlook: 16% increase by 2024

Where Do Postpartum Nurses Work?

As you’d imagine, postpartum nurses work in the postpartum and maternity unit of hospitals. However, they can also find jobs in birthing centers. Clinics and private practices may also hire postpartum nurses on their staff. They often work alongside OBGYN doctors, labor and delivery nurses, nursery nurses, lactation consultants, and other specialized practitioners that handle mother/baby care. 

What Kind of Patients Are in a Postpartum Care Unit?

The postpartum care unit receives healthy mothers and babies after delivery. They spend their time in this recovery unit until they’re discharged, usually one or four days later. This unit will not receive postpartum patients that need critical care or emergency care, as it’s not equipped to treat severe health complications. 

What Does a Postpartum Nurse Do?

Postpartum nurses provide quality healthcare to mothers and newborns. They educate new moms on self-care practices and watch out for signs of postpartum depression. Postpartum nurses work in tandem with lactation consultants to assist with breastfeeding. A large part of their role is to provide physical and emotional support to the mom in any way needed. 

Most responsibilities include:

• Assess and monitor the new mother to ensure proper recovery and healing
• Monitor the newborn baby
• Check and clean cesarean incisions if applicable
• Dispense medications as needed
• Educate new parents on infant care
• Help the new mother with the emotional aspects of birth and recovery
• Help the mother establish functional breastfeeding by collaborating with lactation specialists

How Do You Become a Postpartum Nurse?

Before you become a postpartum nurse, you first have to become a registered nurse by obtaining either an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. This will provide you the necessary education to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse. 

As a registered nurse, you can obtain work in various medical settings. Ideally, you’d want to find experience in the maternity unit of a hospital if you’re looking for a career in postpartum nursing. In addition, you should consider advancing your career by seeking specific certifications that relate to postpartum and maternity care.

Common certifications:

• Maternal Newborn Nursing Certification
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring Certification

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Postpartum Unit Nurse?

Postpartum nursing involves a great deal of responsibility. These nurses often handle between three and six patients at a time; thus, organizational skills are critical. An eye for detail is also essential and extensive knowledge of mental health assessments to notice any signs of postpartum depression. 

The most common skills of postpartum unit nurses include:

• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills
• Compassion and patience
• Teaching skills
• In-depth clinical and critical thinking skills
• Mental and emotional strength 
• Assessment capabilities
• Ability to work well as part of a larger care team 

Starting Your Postpartum Nursing Career

A career as a postpartum nurse is emotional, rewarding, and filled with opportunities. It’s important to maintain all certifications up-to-date and seek experience in maternity units to position yourself as the best-qualified candidate. If a nursing career in postpartum care interests you, these steps will help you set yourself as a great candidate. 

At Stability Healthcare, we place nurses in hospitals across the United States, helping them find tremendous opportunities in various fields, including in the postpartum care unit. If you’re ready to kickstart your career, search for your next placement and set up an interview today. 

What a year it’s been….a letter to nurses

Reflecting on the year

What a year it’s been. Since last year at this time, we’ve battled a pandemic, created a vaccine, and begun administering it to millions of people. We’ve worked so many shifts that we couldn’t tell the difference between our apartments and the breakroom. We’ve made relationships and formed bonds that will last a lifetime. But most of all, we’ve done our best and made a real difference.

Travel nurses have never been needed more than they were over the past year. For frontline nurses, the trials and tribulations from this past year aren’t over, we’re still in the midst of a pandemic and no one knows where that will take us. But that’s why we have to stop and remind ourselves that it’s okay to take a moment to reflect on how hard the last year was. To recognize how strong and brave the healthcare community is. To give ourselves a little pat on the back for all of the hours we’ve spent at the hospital instead of spending time with our own loved ones. To send some extra love to our chosen families that we’ve found in the late hours of the night in the breakroom battling over the last slice of pizza. To buy ourselves some new compression socks because we deserve it (and let’s face it this is a sign it’s time for some new socks). To take that leap of faith and make the career shift you’ve always wanted. When you really think about it – it’s pretty crazy how much nurses are capable of.

Looking ahead

If anything, this past year has filled us with hope. There is no better time than now to do the things you’ve been saying you want to do. Live in the moment. Take a chance and interview for that placement you can’t stop thinking about. Don’t forget to take care of you and do what makes you happy along the way.

If the last year has proved anything it’s that there are endless opportunities for nurses out there. Ready to take the leap? Head to Stability to browse jobs or talk to one our Nurse Advocates.

How to Make & Keep Friends as a Travel Nurse

Moving to a new city is always exciting, especially when you have a new assignment lined up. But, it also means leaving the friends and acquaintances you’ve made behind. It can be challenging to make new friends as a travel nurse every time you change locations. We all know it. It’s not relatively as easy as it was when we were younger. 

In-person connections are essential for your mental health and to help you experience new things in the neighborhood. Here are some tips on how to make (and keep) friends as a travel nurse. 

1. Join Groups

Nowadays, you can easily find groups of people who share your interests. A popular one is Meetup, where you can check out available groups near your zip code. You can find people who play sports, love the outdoors, explore new restaurants, and more. Once you join these groups, you’ll receive details of meeting times so that you can connect with members in person. This is an excellent idea if you’re a bit introverted and have difficulties being outgoing at work. 

2. Leverage the Power of Social Media

Social media can be great for keeping up with new friends. Not to mention, Facebook is a great place to find events in your new neighborhood. Another awesome new feature is Facebook groups, so you can see what people living in your area are up to, or choose a group of people who share your interests. It’s easy to find specific Facebook groups for travel nurses in different states. Here are some Facebook Groups to consider:

• Travel Nurse Housing
• NICU Nurses & Travel Nurses
• Passports and Preemies Travel Community

3. Ask Coworkers for Advice

You’re probably not the only one with this problem. Ask your new coworkers for advice on how to meet new people outside of the hospital. It might be a good idea to ask them about their favorite activities, the things every tourist should experience, or maybe their favorite restaurant in the area. This conversation gives you the perfect opportunity to engage with them and even invite them along for your plans. 

4. Be Outgoing at Work

It goes without saying, but being outgoing at work is the best way to make new friends as a travel nurse. If you don’t try to make friends with the people you spend most of the day with, it will be hard to meet people elsewhere. You might not like everyone, and not everyone will love you back, but keep trying and put yourself out there making plans with others as much as you can. 

5. Join a Class

Depending on your schedule, you might or might not have to find a class. If you have a hobby, whether it is painting or exercising, consider joining a local class. This is a great option to treat your body and mental health while also meeting new people. Most of the time, you can find someone that aligns with your values in this class and try some activities afterward. 

6. Visit Coffee Shops

Independent stores, coffee shops, bars, and even libraries are great places to catch up and learn about local groups and events. They’re also great places to make new friends, as most of the time, these places host events and gatherings. 

7. Consider Apps

Not dating apps, but friendship apps. Many apps are designed to help people make friends, and these are great for travel nurses always moving around. You can find people, very much like yourself, looking to make new friends and explore their city together. Apps like Bumble BFF, Code Happy, Supper Club, and Nextdoor are great options to start looking at. You might even find your next roommate! 

Once you make new friends, don’t neglect them. Even with your busy schedule, do your best to keep up with them. Nowadays, it’s easy to send someone a text, schedule a video call, or comment on their social media posts. Don’t forget that a good, classic phone call is always a great way to connect.

Yes, making friends and keeping friends as a travel nurse can be challenging. But don’t lose hope. Once you’re settled into your new place, consider throwing an old-fashion house-warming party and invite your coworkers and neighbors. Making friends can be easier for some nurses than others. It depends on your personality. Hopefully, these options will give you some guidance on how to put yourself out there and start making friends. 

Ready to make some new friends!? Find your next placement at Stability Healthcare.

Keep Your Feet Healthy with These Compression Socks

Nurses are on their feet, all day, every day—especially travel nurses who are always going. With demanding work, long shifts, and working to get everything done, feet can suffer. Painful feet, swollen ankles, varicose veins, and even blood clots can arise from the stress. So it’s critical to take good care of your feet. A good pair of compression socks can help tremendously.

Compression socks work to alleviate the issues that nurses face being on their feet all day. The tight fabric can assist circulation in the feet and legs and help reduce pain and swelling—immensely important for the busy travel nurse. They also work to increase blood flow and oxygen, not just in your feet and legs, but in your whole body. Next to your nursing shoes, compression socks are one of the best purchases you can make for the longevity of your feet and legs.

How to Pick Compression Socks

No doubt nurses will be familiar with this unit as a measure of blood pressure through millimeters of mercury. Compression socks are categorized in strengths using this same unit—the higher the mmHg, the thicker and tighter the sock. Not including prescription-level, compression socks come in three degrees of strength: mild, medium, and firm.

Mild compression socks provide only a slight level of compression and will have an mmHg of between eight and 15. For busy travel nurses, this may not be strong enough to fight pain and poor circulation.

Medium level compression socks are what most nurses use and measure between 15-20 mmHg. This level of compression should provide a good amount of relief from long periods of standing and walk.

Lastly, a firm-level of compression measures between 20 and 30 mmHg and should be reserved for the most intense workers who need an extreme level of compression support. They can relieve moderate to intense swelling, orthostatic hypotension, and even deep vein thrombosis.

The Best Compression Socks for Nurses in 2021

Now that you know the differences and details of compression socks, you can start shopping for a good pair—or two! Below are a few of our favorites for 2021.

Figs Compression Socks

Figs is renowned for their healthcare attire, and along with their scrubs and shoes, they also make some fantastic compression socks that are functional and very stylish. Whether you’re looking for a simple single color or some socks with snazzy prints, Figs has you covered—literally and figuratively. Figs compression socks are reasonably priced too. A tall pair will run you around $30, while a plain pair of ankle-highs will set you back just $12.

Nurse Mates Compression Socks

Nurse Mates is known for making great nurse shoes. Their expertise extends into the realm of compression socks too. Their socks run the gamut of plain and professional to quirky and fun, offering nearly 100 options to choose from, including tie-dye, polka dots and stripes. Regardless of your style preference, Nurse Mates has something to fit. Nurse Mates has a huge selection of compression socks, and they start at around $9 per pair and go up to around $35.

Poppy Scrubs Compression Socks

Poppy Scrubs is another clothing company for nurses that you’ve probably heard of. They make incredibly comfortable shirts, scrubs, and, of course, compression socks. Poppy Scrubs doesn’t offer the same selection as Nurse Mates or Figs, but their socks are incredibly high-quality and durable, offering yarn-based compression socks in the firm level of compression. And at around $25 per pair, they’re affordable too!

Keep Your Feet Happy

Whether you’re a travel nurse or one of the at-home heroes, you know all too well how demanding your field is. You’re always on the go, day in and day out, and sometimes your feet can pay the price. Do yourself a favor and invest in a pair of compression socks to keep them happy.

And if you’re a travel nurse that’s on the lookout for your next assignment, don’t hesitate to search for your next position with Stability Healthcare—we’re happy to help you find the perfect position!

Top Spring Travel Nursing Placements

Being a travel nurse has a lot of perks – one being the opportunity to travel across the country and land yourself in an exciting city! Here’s a view of the best places to visit (and work in!) this spring. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles is one of the United States’ biggest cities with some of the best weather. Less than an hour drive away from the oceanside, you can try your hand at surfing, swimming, or, for those less adventurous, relaxing on the beach! For those with a more artistic palette, there’s plenty of music venues, galleries, or art sight-seeing across the city. Our favorites:

Gold Diggers – As it says on their website, Gold Diggers is “a bar, boutique hotel and recording studios all within a single campus.” If you need a staycation during your time as a Los Angeles travel nurse, Gold Diggers is one of the most unique hotel experiences you can get. Occasionally, there’s secret live shows and events. Plus, they have a killer bar and some of the most stylish rooms in LA. 

Celebrity Home Tours – Your feet might be tired after working long shifts – give them a break by booking a bus tour that visits celebrity homes across LA. Although this activity may seem a little gimmicky, it’s a good way to view the city and catch a break at the same time. One option is Starline tours, who claims to be the original celebrity home tour!

Find open positions in LA. 

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Milwaukee is a vibrant city nesting on the coast of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee tends to have more mild springs, which leads to plenty of artistic communities taking advantage and hosting galleries and art walks. Although Wisconsin is mostly known for their cheese, there’s a ton of great restaurants for carnivores, omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. There’s also plenty of hiking options (like the beautiful Kettle Moraine) within driving distance for those looking for something more adventurous. Our favorites:

Milwaukee Art Museum – According to their website, the Milwaukee Art Museum has over 30,000 works of art. Famous artist Georgia O’Keeffe is a native to Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee Art Museum has one of the largest collections of her work. 

Cactus Club – When live shows become a thing again, Cactus Club is one of the best places to catch a drink and set from a local (or nationally touring) band. While the wait is still on, Cactus Club is currently offering a special Airbnb stay that allows you to drink, eat, and sleep in the venue’s decked out green room. 

Vanguard – Milwaukee’s Vanguard has the best of all worlds when it comes to eating. Vegan hotdog? You got it. OG hotdog? On the menu! With an emphasis for hot dogs and sausages with uniquely curated toppings, Vanguard has something that will have everyone’s mouths watering. We recommend the schnitzelwurst!

Find open positions in Milwaukee.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Chicago is a Midwest gem. You get the best of a large city, plus a beautiful lakeside with plenty of beaches to relax on. The spring is the best time to visit Chicago, not only because you can avoid the dreadful winters, but because there’s a ton of food festivals, music festivals, good weather, welcoming block parties, and pretty neighborhoods to walk around in. Our favorites:

Montrose Dog Beach – Get some vitamin D while being surrounded by dogs. Need we say more? 

Pick Me Up Cafe – After walking around the quirky Uptown neighborhood on north side Chicago, grab a meal at the eccentric Pick Me Up Cafe. We recommended the buffalo wrap + a spiked milkshake. 

Wicker Park – This neighborhood is the perfect place to shop. Brimming with a mix of well known brands like Adidas, small book shops like Myopic Books, and great coffee shops like Brü, Wicker Park has the kind of shopping that would appeal to anyone. 

Find open positions in Chicago.

DENVER, COLORADO

There’s a reason why people have been flocking to Colorado – it’s simply one of the best places to visit! It’s a great option for those who are more nature oriented, or who enjoy consistently scenic views. If you take on a travel nurse position here, bewarned, you might love it and not want to leave! The city boasts sports (like the Broncos & Nuggets), a ton of microbreweries, coffee shops, and plenty of activities like hiking, skiing, and tubing! Our favorites:

Illegal Pete’s – Although Illegal Pete’s is a favorite amongst the college crowd, it’s also the perfect place to grab a margarita with another fellow travel nurse after a long shift. They also have affordable mexican food that tastes great, plus you can watch the latest sports game as you enjoy their queso. 

Landmark’s Mayan Theatre – A movie theater is one of the best places to get your entertainment fix. Snack on some popcorn and soak in the elegant architecture of the theater before turning your phone off and enjoying a film!

Blue Moon Brewery Tour – This is a good fit for, well, people who like to drink beer! See exactly where and how the magic happens that creates one of Colorado’s most recognizable beers brands. 

Find open positions in Denver.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Nashville isn’t just for country music lovers. The city is a great fit for anyone who likes music, good food, and southern charm. Nashville’s food scene is most notably known for hot chicken, BBQ, and biscuits, but there’s also great roasteries, pastry shops, veggie options, and more! There’s amazing landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Our top three:

Local Honey – Self-care is an important aspect of being a travel nurse. After a few weeks of long arduous shifts, getting a fresh haircut is a great way to feel good. Local Honey is a salon that specializes in color and unique haircuts, so you can really develop your individual style. 

Country Music Hall of Fame – As mentioned in the above paragraph, you can’t go wrong with a little country music. The Country Music Hall of Fame catalogues the history of country music through galleries, archived music, and more. Plus, you can learn more about all the artists who have earned the honor of being in the Country Music Hall of Fame!

Find open positions in Nashville.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Seattle has a bad rep for balmy weather, but it’s a fantastic place to visit. Nestled on the water, Seattle has an eclectic history with music (Nirvana, anyone?), the arts, and coffee. Plenty of movies have been filmed in Seattle, like the iconic 10 Things I Hate About You. To be frank, Seattle is a cool city, and one of our top cities to visit in the spring. Our favorites:

University of Washington Campus – As a travel nurse, you’re likely not a college student anymore. This doesn’t mean you can’t take a trip to University of Washington’s campus to catch in the beautiful views and campus architecture. In the spring, the campus is dotted with beautiful Japanese cherry blossom trees. Plus, the campus has a breathtaking view of Mount Rainier. 

Spooked in Seattle Tours – Not for the faint of heart, the Spooked in Seattle tours offers a look into the city’s paranormal misadventures. It’s the longest running ghost tour in the area, and is run by people who are classified as actual paranormal investigators. You might want to make sure you don’t have a shift the next day, you might get spooked out of sleeping!

Find open positions in Seattle.

Head to Stability to see to see what open positions we have in these cities and set up an interview today! Make the most out of your role as a travel nurse by exploring the world at the same time.

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Most Important NCLEX Study Topics

You’ve almost survived (and maybe even thrived) in the challenges of nursing school. After graduation, there’s just one obstacle standing between you and the career of your dreams: the NCLEX.

Before you set out on your travel nursing adventure, it’s time to buckle down for some serious studying. If you’re already studying effectively for the NCLEX, you might be wondering which are the most important NCLEX study topics.

If you want to ace the NCLEX, keep reading — we’ll explain which are the most important study areas for you to focus on.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment and diagnosis are the foundation of your nursing practice. Your nursing classes taught you the signs and symptoms that accompany diseases.

Now, can you identify those symptoms in a busy nursing environment? That’s what the NCLEX wants to find out.

Some NCLEX questions will give you a list of symptoms for you to diagnose. Other questions will give you a few symptoms, and then ask what other assessments you should do. This tests your ability to figure out what assessments you need to do to get the full picture of your patient’s health.

When studying for NCLEX assessment questions, ask yourself:

• What signs and symptoms of this disease would I be most likely to see in real life?
• If I only noticed a few signs of this disease, what assessments should I do to find out more?
• What other diseases have these signs, and would it be easy to make the wrong diagnosis?
• What psychosocial factors are at play in the patient’s life that contribute to their situation?

If you practice thinking critically about your assessments, you’ll be well prepared to take on these NCLEX questions.

Triage and Prioritization

In your real-life nursing practice, you’ll have several problems on your hands at once. That’s why triaging is a crucial skill for nursing.

The NCLEX tests your prioritization skills by giving you a complicated situation involving several different patients. You’ll need to draw on your diagnostic knowledge to figure out what’s wrong with each patient. Then, you’ll have to decide who needs your help first.

First Response

What’s the first thing you do for a patient with severe burns? What’s the one thing you shouldn’t do for someone with hypothermia?

Nursing students tend to have a wide knowledge base of medical-surgical topics, but less preparation for first response nursing. Give yourself lots of time to brush up on emergency nursing to get ready for these NCLEX questions.

Pharmacology

You’ll see pharmacology questions sprinkled throughout every area of the NCLEX. That means you’ll have to know more than just the name and purpose of each drug. You will need to know how each drug could impact your patient in any situation.

For each drug you review, ask yourself:

• If a patient told me they were taking this medication, what health conditions would I expect them to have?
• Does this medication have any side effects that I would mistake for diseases?
• What nursing interventions would I have to do if a patient had a severe reaction to this drug?

You’ll use pharmacology wherever your nursing degree takes you. That’s why the NCLEX focuses heavily on it — and your studying should too.

Aging

Faced with an aging population, we will soon have more older adults than children. Nurses need to be ready to care for older adults with all the unique physiological needs they have.

Older adults have different health risks, including:

• Different nutritional needs
• Polypharmacology-associated risks (taking many medications at once)
• Higher risk of compromised skin integrity
• Higher risk of confusion during a hospital stay
• Risk of falls

The older adult also might have different baseline assessments, like lower blood pressure and different blood test results.

If you understand how to assess and care for an older adult, you will be ready to pass this section.

Scope of Practice and Delegating Care

As a Registered Nurse, you’ll be a leader on your health care team. One of your primary responsibilities will be to delegate tasks to other team members.

These questions are challenging for nursing students who haven’t gained experience in delegating care to other team members. However, delegation is a key skill to ensuring the safety of your patients. The NCLEX includes a high proportion of questions about delegation.

If delegation questions are new to you, keep a few things in mind when you study for them:

• Never delegate a task to a team member that is outside that team member’s scope of practice
• Only a registered nurse can perform assessments or make judgments
• When the Registered Nurse delegates a task, the RN remains responsible for the patient overall

Don’t forget that the Registered Nurse’s scope of practice does overlap with other health care professionals. In an NCLEX delegation question, you may see several options that fall within the RN’s scope of practice.

Your job is to look at the whole situation and decide which actions you can delegate and which one only you can do.

General Care Management

This is the largest section of the NCLEX, making up 20% of NCLEX questions. Care management questions cover all the day-to-day challenges of nursing.

These questions don’t deal with clinical situations, so they’re easy to overlook when studying. However, since they play a big role in your nursing practice, the NCLEX gives them lots of space.

Management of care includes topics like:

• Patient confidentiality
• Advocating for your patients
• Informed consent for procedures
• Continuity of care
• Nursing ethics
• Safe environment and injury prevention

To pass this section, you will need a thorough knowledge of your patient’s rights and how a nurse protects them.

Travel Nursing and More

No matter which area of nursing you choose to pursue, passing the NCLEX is the gateway to an incredible career.

When you pass the NCLEX, the whole world of nursing is open to you. If you’re intrigued by the idea of a travel nursing career, check out Stability Healthcare. We’re the travel nursing agency that makes it easy to find exciting travel nurse jobs to launch your career.

Best Shoes For Nurses in 2021

Nurses are on their feet for hours on end, so having a good pair of shoes is essential. Too much time in the wrong shoes can lead to back issues and knee problems and no one wants that. The market is filled with options so we’ve put together some of our top picks based on what nurses need most.

Before we get to our favorites, let’s look at what the most important factors are when picking the perfect pair. We asked five nurses working in different units what was priority for them in a solid pair of work shoes. Here are their top concerns in order from most mentioned to least:

• Comfortable
• Good arch support
• Non-slip
• Easy to clean
• Breathable
• Water-resistant
• Durable

With these things in mind, here are our picks for the best shoes for nurses in 2021.

Dansko Clogs

Of course, you can’t have a list of the best shoes for nurses without including Dansko clogs. For years, these have been a staple in most nurses’ closets and for a good reason. Danskos provide an incredible amount of support and comfort for long shifts on your feet.

Clove

Clove is more of a newcomer in the world of nursing shoes. Clove was created for people on the front lines of healthcare, and it shows. Seemingly, these shoes do it all: comfort, strong grip, odor-fighting, easy to clean, and even fluid resistance.

Vessi

While Vessi’s Cityscape sneakers weren’t made specifically with healthcare workers in mind, that can be hard to believe with all of their key features. They’re 100% waterproof, breathable, stretchy, lightweight, and comfortable. The multiple layers in the shoe are each developed with a different goal in mind, all to keep you feeling your best. On top of all of that these shoes are made with a sustainable goal, buying these versus a competitor saves over 880 gallons of water and reduces every pair’s carbon footprint by 600%.

Brooks

Brooks Ghost 13 running shoe offers super smooth transitions plus soft cushioning so your run is the only thing on your mind and the same applies for you 12 your shift. You’ll be able to spend time focusing on your patients and not worrying about your feet. These shoes provide maximum support but still feel breathable and light. And Brooks and DICK’S Sporting Goods will donate USD $10 for each pair of shoes to go towards a charity that supports girls running programs.

Nike

The Nike Revolution running shoes might be the most stylish option that encompasses all day (or night) comfort. This shoe is made with a lightweight knit material that wraps your foot in breathable support. The flexible rubber sole will keep you walking and not sliding to your patient’s room. While these may not have the water-resistant features of some of our other top choices, they do come with a lower price point, making them a solid option if you’re on a budget.

Sketchers

Sketchers Sure Track shoe may not be the most stylish option, but with incredible benefits and a great price point, these had to make the list. They are light on your feet and provide comfort for long hours on your feet. The leather exterior also makes them easy to clean and take care of.

Keen

The Kanteen Clog is the ideal shoe for spending hours on your feet. This pair features a slip-resistant outsole and a custom PU footbed for all-day comfort and support. The exterior of the shoe is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean and keep looking good as new. This is a great choice for nurses with custom foot insoles as the footbed is removable and can be replaced with the sole of your choice. The best part? Keen uses a technology called CLEANSPOTY NXT for natural odor protection, your coworkers and patients will be grateful.

Ready to spend some long hours on your feet? Find youar next placement at Stability today.