Note: Due to the ever-changing needs of the COVID-19 crisis, RN licensure requirements are subject to change if the state revokes an emergency declaration. Please check the NCSBN website or contact the state-specific Board of Nursing for the most accurate information at the time of hire. Healthcare workers have been surviving in short-staffed units for…
Author: Rachel Norton
I have been a critical care nurse since 2007. I grew up in the northeast but enjoy every corner of the country. My passions are people and travel. Travel nursing allows me to meet amazing people and satisfy my wanderlust. I love inspiring other nurses to travel and expand their practice.
What is Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nursing?
ICU nursing is also known as critical care nursing and can serve as a launching point for a nursing career. Many ICU nurses go on to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), flight nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and specialty nurses in high risk areas that require advanced knowledge of hemodynamics. There are many types of ICUs…
What’s it like to be a travel nurse right now? – A June 2020 guide to travel nursing
In past posts, I’ve discussed why cancellations are occurring and how coronavirus has affected travel nursing (mostly related to the lack of revenue in hospitals right now/the economic crisis), and what travel nurses can do to avoid contract cancellations. In this post, I want to discuss what nurses can do to enhance the chances of…
What is Medical Surgical ‘Med-Surg’ Nursing?
Medical-surgical, also known as ‘med-surg’, is a nursing specialty that makes up the foundation of nursing. In fact, many sub-specialties of nursing require that you have prior med-surg experience. Med-surg nurses are responsible for taking care of patients with acute medical issues, as well as those requiring surgical intervention, however, the med-surg umbrella term can…
What’s it like to be a travel nurse during COVID19? – May 2020
It’s been a bit since I wrote my last post on COVID-19 and my personal experience. This is partly because I have been hesitant to think and write about work when I am not there. The days are stressful and emotionally taxing, but I think there is a small light starting to shine at the…
Avoiding Travel Nurse Canceled Contracts
Travel Nursing and Canceled Contracts So, what are travel nurses doing if their contract gets canceled?? I wish the answer was, taking a vacation! But, as we all know that is wholly impossible right now and makes the whole situation a little crappier. Once coronavirus makes it’s exit, I personally will be on the first…
Travel Nurse Crisis Contracts
What is a Travel Nurse Crisis Contract? Crisis contracts are a popular topic in travel nursing news and social media groups. In contrast, another frequently occurring subject is how many travel nursing contracts are getting canceled. Many nurses, both travelers and staff, are being laid off from their jobs due to virtually non existent patient…
Coronavirus: Briefing from an ICU Travel Nurse
We have ended another week of COVID-19, and sources continue to report an exponential increase in the number cases across the nation, as well as the world. For nurses, this means another week has gone by full of patients decompensating, needing intubation and ventilation, and perhaps not surviving this pandemic. Nurses and travel nurses…
Travel Nursing Tips: Caring for COVID-19 Patients
All nurses are facing new challenges in the ways that they care for patients. Nursing practices are changing to become more efficient and protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus. I’ve come up with a few tips to try and help travel nurses and staff nurses safely and efficiently care for their coronavirus patients. Always…
COVID 19 UPDATE: News from the Bedside
COVID-19 cases are increasing by the thousands every day, and the healthcare workforce is starting to feel the effects. 10 days ago I wrote about my experience on the front lines and things have really escalated since then. My facility tests countless rule out patients every day. Last I knew we have at least…
Travel Nurse COVID-19 Coronavirus FAQ
COVID-19 Impact on Travel Nurses There are a lot of questions from travel nurses and staff regarding the impact of the virus on our work lives and schedules. The CDC is rapidly changing recommendations and implementation of emergency plans. A lot of nurses feel like they are hearing something different every four hours. And, they…
Coronavirus Update: Experience From the Front Lines
The coronavirus pandemic is having a massive impact on all healthcare workers. COVID-19 is affecting all specialties in all arenas of care. Nurses are feeling stressed and are one of the most involved professions in the race to control, contain, and treat coronavirus patients. Coronavirus is named as such, because there are spikes (coronas) projecting…
Austin Travel Nurse City Guide
Austin, Texas is a popular place to be a travel nurse! Known as the “the live music capitol of the world’, the Colorado River runs right through the city providing constantly pretty views, and lot of options for urban outdoor activities. Austin has year-round nice weather, beautiful parks, live music everywhere (most likely accompanied by…
San Francisco Travel Nurse City Guide
I could write a whole post devoted to the best ‘hood of San Francisco. I chose some of the most popular areas, but if you want to know more check out Thrillist’s article featuring over 30 San Fran neighborhoods! Where to Live- Best Neighborhoods Haight Ashbury: This neighborhood is named for the intersection of Haight and…
Seattle Travel Nurse City Guide
Seattle is known for many things- views of Mt. Rainier, easy access to tons of outdoor adventures, its cloudy and rainy skies, and the beautiful coastal area surrounding the city. Seattle is a great place for travel nurses to work and to have a variety of experiences to choose from. Where to Live- Best Neighborhoods…
How to Make the Most Money as a Travel Nurse?
So many factors contribute to the income of a travel nurse. Variables like specialty, location, tax-free stipend eligibility, and housing situation can all have an effect on the take-home salary of a travel nurse. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you make the most as possible! Use NurseFly! NurseFly works with multiple agencies,…
Understanding Travel Nursing Tax Rules
Deciphering the travel nursing pay structure can be complicated. Tax homes, tax-free stipends, hourly wages, bonuses, benefits, housing, and reimbursement are all factors to consider when understanding your travel nursing pay. Tax Disclaimer The information contained herein is general in nature and based on authorities that are subject to change. We guarantee neither the…
Travel Assignment Pay Package Breakdown
Travel nurses’ wages are usually above what the average staff nurse makes. One of the biggest benefits of travel nursing is being able to move around freely and explore the country. The pay is important and a huge reason why nurses get into the travel world. But, the pay is based on location and demand….
Travel Nurse FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to travel nursing. How do I start travel nursing? Go to NurseFly.com, browse jobs, and click to apply! Getting started is easier than you think! Lucky for you we have a guide to applying for your first travel nursing job! I also wrote an article…
Top Movies That Will Have Travel Nurses Feeling all the Feels…
Top Movies for Travel Nurses Travel nurses work hard and deserve some downtime. Check out this list of movies to watch when you’re in the mood for some reflection! Movies to Watch When You are Feeling Like…….. …You Need Motivation to Start Travel Nursing… Captain Fantastic This movie captures the life of…
Useful Apps for Travel Nurses
Any successful nurse knows how helpful technology is in our lives. Travel nursing makes staying organized and efficient even more complicated. Thankfully these apps can help simplify your life! Make sure to check out the bonus apps at the end of the article for awesome ways to discover your new location and make friends! Best…
Denver Travel Nurse City Guide
If you love the mountains, panoramic views, wildlife, and tons of outdoor recreation options, check out Denver for your next travel nursing assignment! I am here currently and love it! There is always something to do, the sun is shining constantly, and those mountain views never get old! Where to Live- Best Neighborhoods Located…
Travel Nurse Housing: Tips and Tricks
Finding short-term furnished housing can be a true test of your ability to problem solve and be patient. Since travel nursing jobs are usually posted 6-8 weeks before the start date, you often only have a short amount of time to secure housing. If you are eligible for the tax-free stipends you can choose between…
New Wearable Patient Device Helps Nurses Promote Sleep and Improve Patient Experience
A lot of people are turning to high tech portable gear to help them manage and monitor their lifestyle. You can’t walk down the street without seeing multiple versions of fitness watches decorating the wrists of today’s general public. People have become obsessed with ‘closing their rings’ to be sure they’ve achieved their fitness goals…
Early CPR Administered by RN Saves Hero’s Life
Nurses know immediate CPR and early defibrillation is what saves lives. This nurse put that concept into action in the best way possible. Just Another Day… James Locklear was on his way to deposit some checks just after the New Year, and in an instant his life changed. He witnessed a head-on collision between…