As 2013 comes to a close, it's a good time to take a look at some of the top articles you enjoyed reading:
Travel nurse checklist: Bring these items on the road for easier, happier nursing
In April, we offered a few suggestions to help ensure that you have everything you need when you head off on travel nursing jobs. What items were featured on our list?
- A GPS can be great for helping you get around your unfamiliar town, especially if you plan on driving.
- Another helpful tool to bring along with you might be a satellite radio service or music app for your phone. Nothing makes a long drive go by faster than some good tunes!
- Avoid feeling homesick with the help of your favorite photos, mugs and other knick knacks.
- Need help getting to know your new colleagues? Bring along something from your home state, such as chocolate-covered blueberries if you're a native of The Pine Tree State.
- If you enjoy knitting or yoga, take the necessary supplies on the road with you. These types of activities can provide a great deal of stress relief.
Working as a travel nurse with tattoos
Whether you're a travel nurse with tattoos or not, we discussed this issue in September. Those thinking about getting inked should know that some patients (even those with tattoos themselves), look at tattooed RNs in a less positive light. So, if you have tattoos, you might want to try to cover them up while at work. In fact, some facilities even have rules and regulations regarding the visibility of both tattoos and piercings while on the job.
Understanding the causes and effects of compassion fatigue
While on assignment, you might struggle with something called compassion fatigue. This term encompasses a variety of emotional and physical symptoms you may be up against as a travel nurse. Most often, these issues are the result of becoming burnt out or exhausted while providing around-the-clock care to patients. It's important that you are able to help those you are treating without compromising your own well-being. From talking with other RNs to making healthy-living choices, there are plenty of things you can do to overcome compassion fatigue.
Differences between a good and great travel nurse
Although being good at your job is a start, don't you want to be great? With a mix of compassion, communication and knowledge, you will possess the skills it takes to be a great travel nurse. Another skill to add to that list? Being quick to act on your feet. As a medical professional, you may be faced with emergency situations on a regular basis, depending on your specialty. Both promptness and alertness will help you successfully help your patients in the case of a medical crisis.
Inexpensive vacation ideas for those with travel nursing jobs
For the busy travel RN looking to hit the road for something other than work, we offered a few destination ideas this June. What locales topped our list?
- Austin, Texas, where you can enjoy the summer sun and adventurous nightlife for a price that won't break the bank.
- Destin, Fla., is located in the panhandle of the state on the Gulf of Mexico. Many hotels offer discounted rates to help support the area's tourism industry after the 2010 oil spill.
- Washington, D.C., provides travelers with a vacation rich in history and fun! A number of attractions in the area are also free, making for an inexpensive trip.
You can also use some money-saving tips when heading out for vacation. This can be as simple as staying in a hotel room with a fridge, to limit the amount you eat out – your waistline will thank you!