Apply Online!

Current Job Opportunites

Nurses

Top 10 Things to Pack as a Travel Nurse

Dec 7, 2024 | , ,

Are you getting ready for your next travel nursing assignment and wondering what to pack? Whether it’s your first job or you’re a seasoned travel nurse, forgetting an important item can make settling in more challenging. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey, ensuring you can focus on your work and enjoy the adventure.

Packing for Your Dream Job

Travel nursing is an exciting opportunity, but preparation is key to making the most of your assignment. Before diving into what to pack, consider a few critical factors:

  • Weather and Climate: Research the destination’s weather patterns, including off-season variations. For instance, summer nights in Colorado can be chilly, and warmer locations might require a light jacket in the evenings.
  • Accommodations: Will you be staying in a hotel, short-term rental, or with family? Knowing the amenities available—like a kitchen or laundry—can guide your packing decisions.
  • Assignment Length: For shorter assignments, resist the urge to overpack. Focus on essentials and consider whether each item is truly necessary.
  • Activities and Hobbies: Planning to hit the beach or explore a snowy mountain town? Pack gear like swimsuits, sunscreen, or snow boots depending on your plans.

The Top 10 Must-Haves

1. Work Essentials

Your work-related items are your top priority. Pack enough scrubs, comfortable shoes, compression socks, and a work bag or backpack to store your tools during shifts. Include a reliable stethoscope, penlight, watch, and any specialty items you might need. Note that some hospitals don’t provide lockers for travel nurses, so having a secure bag is crucial.

2. Casual and Business Attire

Don’t forget clothing for your downtime. Casual outfits, lounge clothes, workout gear, and plenty of underwear are all essentials. Include at least one set of business casual attire for orientations, meetings, or unexpected formal events.

3. Important Documents

Even if most of your paperwork is submitted electronically, keep physical copies of important documents handy. These might include:

  • Nursing license and certifications
  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Employment contract
  • Health records (if required)
    These documents are essential for tasks like getting your hospital ID or renting a car.

4. Toiletries

Your toiletry needs depend on your destination and travel style. If you’re flying, bring travel-size versions of your essentials but remember to pack any specialty items you rely on, such as specific hair products. Don’t overlook items like sunscreen, contact lenses, or makeup.

5. Electronics and Entertainment

Travel nursing often involves long commutes and downtime. Pack your phone, charger, headphones, and any devices you need for entertainment, such as a Kindle or tablet. If you enjoy streaming shows or playing games, download content in advance for times when Wi-Fi may be limited.

6. Medications and First Aid Supplies

Always have a well-stocked first aid kit and any necessary medications. Include items like a thermometer, bandages, ibuprofen, or allergy medicine. Check your prescriptions before you leave and ensure you have enough refills to last through your assignment.

7. Household Items

The amenities provided at your accommodations can vary. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, find out whether utensils, cookware, and dishes are provided. Travel nurses often bring personal touches like their favorite blanket or pillow to make temporary housing feel like home.

8. Outdoor Gear

If you’re heading to a destination known for outdoor activities, pack accordingly. For winter jobs, bring snow gear like gloves, hats, and thermal layers. Beach destinations call for swimsuits, towels, and sandals. If you’re flying, decide whether larger items like skis or paddleboards are worth bringing.

9. Comforts of Home

Everyone experiences homesickness now and then. Pack small items that bring comfort, such as family photos, a favorite coffee mug, or even a scented candle (if allowed). These small touches can make your temporary home more welcoming.

10. Pet Supplies

Bringing a furry companion? Make sure to include their essentials:

  • Food and water bowls
  • Leash and collar
  • Toys
  • Veterinary records
  • Medications
    Having everything your pet needs will ensure they adjust comfortably to their new environment.

Packing Tips for Success

  • Create a Checklist: Before you start packing, list everything you’ll need. This reduces the risk of forgetting something important.
  • Use Packing Cubes: These help keep your suitcase organized and make unpacking at your destination a breeze.
  • Think Minimalist: Only pack what you’ll truly use. Remember, you can often buy items you forget once you arrive.
  • Stay Flexible: Each assignment is different, so adjust your packing strategy to fit the specifics of your destination and work environment.

Conclusion

Packing for a travel nursing assignment can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning, you’ll be ready for anything. By focusing on these top 10 essentials and tailoring your packing list to your needs, you can enjoy a smooth transition into your new role. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or somewhere in between, being prepared will allow you to focus on what matters most: providing excellent care to your patients and making the most of your travel experience.

Happy packing and safe travels!

Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Conference

Sep 9, 2024 | , ,

Attending my first Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) conference in Las Vegas was an eye opening experience! As I walked into the convention center, I was immediately struck by the energy of the event. Nurses from all over the country had gathered here, sharing stories, experiences, and excitement about the future of emergency care. It was an opportunity not just to learn, but to build connections with some of the brightest minds in the field.

The conference was a whirlwind of networking opportunities. I found myself surrounded by professionals who were passionate about emergency nursing. Whether it was over coffee breaks, during panel discussions, or simply in the hallways, every conversation held the potential to form lasting partnerships. I met nurses from hospitals in different states, each with their own unique challenges and success stories. Some had decades of experience, while others were just beginning their careers. It was inspiring to see how our shared dedication to patient care transcended these differences.

In addition to networking, the technological innovations showcased at the conference were nothing short of amazing. Walking through the exhibit hall felt like stepping into the future of healthcare. There were displays featuring the latest advancements in patient monitoring systems, telehealth tools, and even cutting-edge software designed to streamline documentation and improve workflow efficiency. I had the chance to demo some of these products and see how they could be game-changers for both nurses and patients. These technologies not only promised to make our jobs easier but also to enhance the quality of care we provide in high-stress, fast-paced emergency environments.

As I went from booth to booth and idea to idea, I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of pride in our profession. Being surrounded by so many driven, compassionate individuals reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. The connections I made, the knowledge I gained, and the innovations I witnessed all reaffirmed my commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients.

Leaving Las Vegas, I feel even MORE energized and excited about the future of Caring Nurses Staffing Agency. The experience at ENA reinforced the importance of staying at the forefront of both technology and professional collaboration. I can’t wait to bring back what I’ve learned to our team and continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.

Transitioning Into a Leadership Role: Part One

Feb 25, 2024 | ,

Transitioning into a leadership role as a nurse is both a significant opportunity and a considerable challenge. It requires a shift in mindset, the development of new skills, and a commitment to continuous personal and professional development. Let’s break these down a bit more:

Embrace a Leadership Mindset

The first step is to cultivate a leadership mindset. This means seeing beyond the immediate clinical tasks to the bigger picture of healthcare delivery. They think strategically about how to improve processes, enhance team performance, and deliver superior patient care. Leading by example means a commitment to your own growth as a nurse and leader, resilience in the face of challenges, and a willingness to take responsibility for not just the successes of your team but also the setbacks.

Developing Key Leadership Skills

Effective Communication
Clear and effective communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership. As a nurse leader, you’ll need to articulate visions, goals, and expectations clearly and motivate your team towards achieving them. This includes honing your listening skills, as understanding your team’s perspectives and concerns is vital for fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
Leadership involves making tough decisions—sometimes with limited information. Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills can prepare you for this aspect of the role. It’s about analyzing situations, considering the implications of different courses of action, and making informed decisions that align with your team’s goals and the organization’s values.

Emotional Intelligence
A high degree of emotional intelligence is essential for nurse leaders. The ability to manage your emotions and recognize and influence the emotions of others can significantly impact your leadership effectiveness. Emotional intelligence enhances team dynamics, improves conflict resolution, and builds a positive workplace culture.

Effective communication, decision-making and problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are key leadership skills for nurses transitioning into leadership roles. These competencies enable clear articulation of goals, informed decision-making, conflict resolution, and fostering positive team dynamics, essential for successful leadership in healthcare.

But these are just the first steps…our next blog will discuss the importance of mentorship and networking.

The Unique Role of Nurses in Healthcare Policy

Jan 31, 2024 | ,

Let’s face it. Nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare delivery, making them experts in understanding the intricacies of healthcare systems in ways that even doctors or hospital administrators cannot. Our daily experiences provide valuable insights into the challenges and inefficiencies within any healthcare system. We witness firsthand the gaps in patient care, resource allocation, and the effects of existing policies. This unique perspective equips nurses to provide valuable input and recommendations when it comes to crafting or amending healthcare legislation.

While lawmakers, policymakers, and healthcare experts are often at the forefront of drafting and passing healthcare legislation, nurses should also recognize the role they can play in this process. Nurses are not just caregivers at the bedside; they are also powerful advocates for patients and crucial stakeholders in healthcare policy.

 

Patient Advocacy:

One of the most significant ways nurses can impact healthcare legislation is through patient advocacy. Nurses are patient advocates by nature, advocating for the best possible care and outcomes for their patients. This advocacy extends to the policy level, where nurses can speak on behalf of patients who may not have a voice in the legislative process. By sharing our experiences and highlighting the needs of vulnerable populations, nurses can influence lawmakers to prioritize policies that improve patient care and access to healthcare services.

 

Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice:

Nurses serve as a vital bridge between policy and practice. They are responsible for implementing the policies and procedures established by healthcare legislation. Therefore, their input is essential in ensuring that policies are practical, effective, and aligned with the realities of healthcare delivery. Nurses can provide valuable feedback to policymakers, helping them understand how proposed legislation will impact healthcare providers and, ultimately, patient care.

Nowhere was this better illustrated than during the COVID-19 pandemic. With rules and regulations from Washington and the CDC changing seemingly by the hour, the average citizen didn’t know what to do and began to lose faith in health and government institutions. When the vaccines came out, much of the public was distrustful. but as nurses and other healthcare workers were given the vaccine the tide of public sentiment began to turn. Nurses, who had been on the front lines in the worst of it began to encourage their friends and relatives to get the vaccine thereby showing it was safe. The best form of advertising is word of mouth and nurses played strong roles in the success of the vaccine by being advocates.

 

Grassroots Advocacy:

The COVID-19 pandemic and response to vaccines show that nurses have the power to mobilize at the grassroots level and engage with their communities on healthcare issues. We can organize public awareness campaigns, town hall meetings, and other events to educate the public and garner support for specific healthcare legislation. Grassroots advocacy can put pressure on lawmakers to prioritize healthcare reform, especially when they see that their constituents, including nurses, are deeply invested in these issues.
Raising Awareness of Nursing Issues:

To that end then, nurses can use their collective voice to raise awareness of nursing-specific issues that need attention in healthcare legislation. These issues may include nurse staffing ratios, safe working conditions, scope of practice, and professional development opportunities. By advocating for our own profession, nurses can indirectly influence legislation that affects the entire healthcare system.

By actively participating in policy discussions, providing evidence-based insights, and advocating for patients and their profession, nurses can drive positive changes in healthcare systems. Our involvement is not just beneficial; it is essential for creating legislation that truly reflects the needs of patients and the realities of healthcare delivery. Policymakers, healthcare administrators, and the public must recognize and appreciate the significant impact nurses can have on healthcare legislation for the betterment of healthcare systems worldwide.

Thinking of becoming a travel nurse? What to consider before you make the leap.

Jan 16, 2024 | ,

Travel nursing offers a unique and exciting career path for nurses, combining the opportunity to explore new places with the fulfillment of providing critical healthcare services. However, as with any significant career decision, there are important concerns to consider before taking the leap into travel nursing. If you’re thinking of becoming a travel nurse, let’s talk about a few things you should take into consideration first.

Understanding the Nature of Travel Nursing

Travel nursing involves working temporary assignments in various healthcare settings, often in different cities or states. While this offers an opportunity to see new places, it also means constantly adapting to new environments, teams, and patient populations.This can be a deal breaker for some, and nurses need to assess their adaptability and willingness to frequently step out of their comfort zone.

Evaluating Financial Implications

One of the most attractive aspects of travel nursing is the potential for higher pay compared to permanent positions. However, it’s crucial to understand the complete financial picture, including:

  • Housing and Living Expenses: While some agencies often provide housing or a housing stipend, costs can vary widely by location depending on assignment.
  • Tax Implications: Navigating tax rules is always complex.
  • Benefits: Understand what health insurance and retirement benefits are offered, and how they compare to permanent positions.

Considerations for Personal and Family Life

Travel nursing can significantly impact personal and family life. Nurses with families or significant others must consider how frequent travel will affect their relationships and family dynamics. For those with children, issues like schooling and childcare become paramount.

Professional Development and Career Growth

While travel nursing can offer diverse experiences, nurses should consider how it fits into their long-term career goals. Some concerns include:

  • Skill Development: Ensuring each assignment contributes to professional growth.
  • Specialization: The feasibility of specializing in a specific area while moving between different healthcare settings.
  • Licensing: Obtaining and maintaining licenses in multiple states.

Healthcare Facility Adaptation

Each new assignment means adapting to a new healthcare facility with its own culture, policies, and procedures. This can be challenging, requiring quick learning and integration skills.

Social and Support Networks

Travel nurses often find themselves in locations where they lack a social network. This can lead to feelings of isolation, so it’s important to consider strategies for building new relationships and maintaining existing ones before taking on a travel position.

Mental and Physical Health

The lifestyle of a travel nurse can be both physically and mentally demanding. Coping with new environments, work stress, and the absence of a regular support network can take a toll. Prioritizing self-care is crucial.

Work-Life Balance

Managing work-life balance is a key concern, especially given the irregular hours and potential for overtime in nursing roles.

Contract Terms and Conditions

It’s vital to understand the terms and conditions of each contract, including assignment length, pay rates, overtime rules, and termination policies.

Professional Autonomy and Respect

As temporary staff, travel nurses might face challenges in terms of professional autonomy and respect from permanent staff. Assessing how to navigate these dynamics is important.

Relationship with Staffing Agencies

A good relationship with the staffing agency is key.

Nurses should evaluate the agency’s support, responsiveness, and reputation.

Health and Safety Concerns

Understanding the health and safety protocols of different facilities and how they align with personal comfort levels, especially in the context of infectious diseases like COVID-19, is critical.

Conclusion

Becoming a travel nurse offers an array of unique opportunities and experiences. However, it requires careful consideration of various factors impacting one’s professional practice, personal life, and overall well-being. By thoroughly evaluating these concerns, nurses can make informed decisions about whether travel nursing is the right path for them. For those who decide to embark on this journey, the rewards can be substantial – not just in terms of career growth and financial benefits, but also in the richness of experiences and the diversity of people and places they will encounter. As with any significant career move, the key is to go in with eyes wide open, understanding both the challenges and the vast opportunities that travel nursing presents. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

 

There are many social media travel nursing groups that have ongoing discussions about the rewards and challenges that nurses across the world face.  These forums are great for nurses new to Travel nursing or who are just thinking about it.  There are also discussions about the MANY different travel companies Pros and Cons.

Registered Nurse needed for Peterborough NH

Nov 27, 2021 |

Job Description:

Covid Swab Nurse for local Hospital, Monday through Friday. 8am-5pm.

Requirements:

Unrestricted New Hampshire Registered Nurse License

6 months Active Nursing experience

CPR certification

ACLS (preferred)

SKILLS for candidates:

Organization

Computer proficiency

Positive attitude!

Hourly Salary: $35-42.00 per hour

Benefits: To be discussed

Opportunity:  Full time OR TRAVEL ASSIGNMENT depending on the candidate.

Job Categories

Apply Online