Myths About Travel Nursing

There are many implications of the idea of a "travel nursing assignment" that cause many people to see it in more of a negative light than a positive one.  I'm here to debunk some of these myths and show that travel nursing is actually an exciting career that offers many advantages over other careers in this industry.

The first myth is that you have to relocate to a position far from home.

Not always!  While there are hubs of travel nursing locations in states like California, Nevada, Texas and Colorado, (meaning that more positions will be available in these locations) there are likely to be some positions available at a hospital near you! We offer positions at major hospitals all around the nation and all you have to do is ask if you'd prefer a position closer to home!  We will do our best to find something for you.

If you're worried about leaving family and friends behind, you can do as many nurses do - schedule your shifts in a chunk.  By putting all of your shifts together, you are leaving yourself 3 or 4 day weekends to travel home when you would like to!

The second myth is that travel nurses will not be well accepted by permanent nurses.

This is false.  Many permanent nurses are overwhelmed by the demand for their skills that they will gladly welcome someone new to help them out.  Many hospitals are short-staffed and could use any help they can get. Permanent nurses are looking for some relief, and that comes from you. 

If poor treatment by the permanent staff is something you are worried about, during your interview with a hospital, be sure to ask a few questions and get a feel for how they treat their travelers.  This can help ease any fears or uneasiness you may have going into the assignment.

The third myth is that travel nursing means that your assignment will last only 3 months and you will then be forced to travel again.

This, again is false.  While it is true that most assignments are 13 weeks, we are able to offer assignments for a duration that suits you, anywhere from 4 to 52 weeks (potentially leading to a permanent position).  Just be sure to let us know how long you would like to commit to an assigment.  If you think that this assignment should last longer, we would love to help accommodate you in that endeavor.

The fourth myth is that this position is not a stable career should the economy show a downturn.

On the contrary, nurses may find that this is a buffer against economic instability.  We are able to offer extremely competitive pay rates at Source HCS.  Additionally, you are able to choose your assignment location, meaning that you can choose a location where the average cost of living is lower.  If your dollar will go futher, this will lead to more dollars in your pocket at the end of your assignment.

If you're going far from home, think of your travel assignment as a cheap and extended vacation! In permanent positions you do not find the freedom to choose and modify your assignment as you do in travel assignments (or our hybrid program) so make sure to take advantage of this opportunity while the options are so abundant!

Resources Upon Arrival in Las Vegas

So you're in Las Vegas. Now what?

There are many things to adjust to when accepting and starting a travel nursing assignment in a strange city.  Some of these can be anticipated, and I'm here to help you with that! Listed are some of the best resources for your first few weeks in Las Vegas.

1. If you get lost on your way to your new home, here is an Interactive Las Vegas Map.

2. Thinking of public transportation?
       Las Vegas Monorail Map:

 

Stations: Sahara, Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas Convention Center,
Harrah's/Imperial Palace, Flamingo/Caesars Palace,
Bally's & Paris MGM Grand

 

Hours: Monday - Thursday  7am to 2am
Friday - Sunday   7am - 3am

 

 

Need a taxi?

 

 

3. If you want to install cable, phone, internet; need to fix your water, gas, or waste disposal; want to mail a letter, here are the best companies to help you with your utilities.

4. Did your "check engine" light come on as you rolled up?  Auto Repair Las Vegas can get you the oil change you need.

5. If you know what you want to eat, but don't know where to get it, check out this Menu Finder.

6. If you realize you just want someone to point the important things out to you, try out a Tour of Las Vegas

7. If you just have no idea what you have going on around your new home, check out Around Me.  It will tell you the best things to do nearest you.

8. Looking to save a little money when exploring Vegas? Check out Las Vegas Half-Off.

9. Want to feel like a local? Check out Show Tickets for Locals! It offers discounts to shows and other things with "locals only" discounts!

10. Getting restless? Las Vegas has a few 24 Fitness Locations to get your fitness on track.

11. Want a place to study, relax or just hang out? Try out Sunrise Coffee!

Sunrise Coffee and Wraps

Do you have any other resources you'd like added to this list? Leave them in the comments!


With Source Healthcare Staffing, we are your biggest resource.  Did you arrive and find something was not how it should be? Call us, email us, text us, Facebook us, and we will help you in any way we can!

Phone: 858-869-1905
Email: ddeutsch@sourcehcs.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sourcehcs
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sourcehcs
You can also call your recruiter for any immediate concerns.


(Disclaimer: These are my own recommendations, none of these companies paid/could pay to be a part of this list).

PHOTO CONTEST!

We want your nursing photos!

 

Do you have fun photos of your home location, hospital, or nursing co-workers?

Give them some exposure! Send them in to us today! 

 

Send them via Email: ddeutsch@sourcehcs.com

Send them on our Facebook: www.facebook.com/sourcehcs

Send them via Instagram: Tag @sourcehcs

Send them via Twitter: Tag @sourcehcs

 

The best photos will be featured on our website and Facebook pages!

Get snapping!

Top Nursing Groups to Join on LinkedIn

 

LinkedIn has quickly become one of the easiest resources for networking, finding new positions and connecting with old ones. There are thousands of job openings posted daily and intellectual discussions taking place that you would do well to be a part of. Here are a few groups to get you started:

 

 RN (Registered Nurse) Network

The RN Network is a group of nursing professionals with nearly 22,000 members and growing. This network often sees discussions based on news articles, nursing program debates and questions regarding nursing professionals of all ages. There are updates daily and this is a great group to be a part of as it connects you to so many more professionals you would not have otherwise been able to connect with.  This page also has frequent updates on open positions and is a great resource for all RNs.

Nursing Professionals

Nursing Professionals is a networking tool for working nurses, retired nurses, or anyone actively pursuing a career in nursing.  It's a bit smaller than the RN network with around 5,000 members, but it is still an excellent source for industry debate and discussion.  It is also used for questions and resources for aspiring nurses with answers from the more experienced.

Nursing Network

The Nursing Network is another large group of professionals (hovering also around 22,000). This network includes frequent news and current event discussion, debates on the rules and regulations that affect the nursing career, and all-around career discussions.  It welcomes questions about the career, advice in finding a job (resume/interview tips) and is a great resource for any level or age nurse.

 

Comments/Suggestions?

Do you know of other groups that professionals should be a part of? Please feel free to leave them in the comments, any feedback is welcome!  This post is a developing resource to help nursing professionals connect to one another.

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn and stay connected with our opportunities throughout your career: Source HCS LinkedIn

 

 

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Travel Nursing has become a popular option for Registered Nurses because the opportunities are endless.  You have a unique chance to go try out a new city and all the exciting things it has to offer. There has been a recent boom in positions available nationwide and you as a travel nurse can practically choose where you would like to go!

Some of the largest benefits to travel nursing include the ability to travel, housing stipend/free housing, expanding network groups and gaining experience.

Ability to Travel
Though this perk seems to be a bit obvious, it is important to remember a few things:

• First, the ability to travel is not available in most positions.  This is something that is special about your degree/license that many other disciplines simply cannot offer and something you will be thankful you used to its full advantage!
• Second, that there are so many things about traveling that make this unique feature invaluable to not only your growth as a professional, but also as a person.  Exploring your new city includes all the things it would if you were to take a vacation: the ability to sightsee, explore new places and meet new faces.  The added benefit of living in a new city is that these new and exciting things become your backyard to explore for the duration of your assignment.
• Finally, because of the boom in opportunities, you can have a large influence over the adventure you would like to take.  We have so many positions available that you can pick a favorite city or state and we will find the position that best suits you.

Housing Stipend/Free Housing
How often do you get to travel for free or even get paid to do so?  This is nearly unheard of for so many other professions and is yet another perk of your travel nursing assignment. 

Through Source Healthcare Staffing, we compensate for your troubles and pay for your living expenses if need be (or give you the difference through a stipend that you could use to sight see!)  This makes moving and adjusting to your new home easy and comfortable.

Expanding Network Groups
When you travel, you're going to make an entirely new group of friends, colleagues, and patients that will become additional lifelong connections.  In addition to meeting new people, the internet/social media age has made it easier than ever to stay connected to your friends and family back home.

Skype, Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter (along with so many others) are all applications and websites that keep you easily connected to those you couldn't bring with you.

Gaining Experience
Nursing experience can be hard to come by for those looking for new opportunities with under 3 years of acute care experience.  The difference we can offer is that our travel and per diem programs have been married to create a unique hybrid program that gives our newer nurses the access to the experience and training they need.

Apply for this opportunity online today on our website and see the Source Difference!  Let us help you find your dream job!