Ask a Travel Nurse Question:  

What experience is needed to start travel nursing?

Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:  

While it used to be a year of experience in whichever specialty you wanted to travel, most companies now mandate at least two years of recent experience.

You will also be best served if that experience is hospital based (unless of course your specialty is something like home care).

You can possibly have two years in different specialties. For example, if you first started your practice working on a tele floor, and then moved into the ICU, you could take a travel assignment in ICU (but of course those with two years of strict ICU might be chosen first).
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Ask a Travel Nurse Question:  

Would you suggest for a brand new Traveler to start off in a small town first?

Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:  

I would suggest that a new traveler should start wherever they are comfortable. If that means a small town, so be it.

The best way to ease yourself into travel is not necessarily finding a geographically similar place to work, but rather, a place similar in size and structure. While it may be evident what I mean in regard to size (like not starting out at a thousand bed facility when you currently work in a 150 bed facility), when I say “structure,” I am speaking to the way your hospital operates and the ancillary services available to you.

For example, if you work in a teaching hospital (where you likely have interns and residents running around at all hours), you may not want to work in a smaller facility where the ER doctor may be the only one “in-house” (especially at night). If you work with physicians who all follow their own patients and take their own call, it might be rather different for you going to a facility where a group of physicians may see your patient. For those used to having doctors who know their patients, it might be a little shocking for you to call a doctor at night or on the weekend only to have to give the physician a brief history before they will give you orders (because they know nothing about the patient).

It really depends on you and your comfort level with this whole “travel nursing” gig. If you are stressed to the max just thinking about having to travel somewhere new and start your practice in unfamiliar surroundings, then at least try to make those surroundings as close to what you are used to, as possible.

If you want to spread your wings a little, or when you feel you “have it down,” then you can start looking for facilities that will push you, and your nursing practice, to the next level.

Hope this helps.

David

david@travelnursesbible.com

Although most people associate Thanksgiving with turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, the holiday is a bit different for ER doctors and nurses. All of you posted in an ER this holiday season are likely to see a flood of injuries ranging from minor to the extreme and they are caused by a wide range of holiday activities.

One of the most powerful injury statistics happens before the festivities even start- when everyone is still traveling. Thanksgiving is often referred to as the worst holiday for driving and it’s not surprising when, according to the AAA auto club, 90 percent of Turkey Day travelers go by car, resulting in tens of millions of people on highways across the United States- and more cars mean more accidents. In 2010, it was rated the most deadly holiday of the year for car accidents, beating out Christmas and 4^th of July. Car accident victims will be filling ERs everywhere, so buckle up and drive safe!

Some of the more minor (hopefully!) injuries on Thanksgiving are often a result of a friendly family football game. A tradition that is cherished by American families is a great way to burn off calories, but also a great way to suffer a concussion, a sprained ankle or a whole host of other maladies.

Another common Thanksgiving injury should not come as a surprise to anyone: Burns.  Between stoves, ovens, and deep fryers, just this one day of cooking will result in an average of 4,300 fires and about 150 serious fires and burns occur from deep fryers alone. Plus, those are just the reported incidents. How many people really want to admit that their turkey started on fire?

Those of you in the ER will also see a wide range of more bizarre injuries. Hospitals often see an unusual number of cases of intestinal blockage. Many patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other chronic digestive illnesses ignore the risks of combining turkey, gravy, and stuffing and overwhelm their system. Suddenly the traditional after-dinner nap is in a rolling bed while the family watches the football game in the waiting room! More disturbingly, another common sight in the ER on Thanksgiving is stab wounds and even gunshot wounds from re-opened family feuds (mixed with-more often than not- alcohol). With carving forks, skewers and dinner knives, every family feast comes with a wide variety of sharp objects that do not mix well with holiday stress.

So while some of us are putting on our festive turkey sweaters and treating our families to dinner, others will be wearing their scrubs and treating their patients! For the Turkey Day veteran nurses out there, what other injuries have you seen? Was anything left out?

When MTV announced it was doing a reality show based around travel nurses, RNs everywhere waited with bated breath to see how the industry would be portrayed. Some took a stand against “Scrubbing In” before it even premiered, others waited to see it in action. Either way the majority of nurses were very against the show and what they saw as a negative portrayal of travel nurses. A Change.org petition to cancel the show was forged (as of this post it had more than 30,000 signatures) and as the episodes rolled out, the criticisms from nurse groups and nurse leaders mounted. Travel Nursing Blogs followed the run-up to the show’s premiere, eventually deciding to stop covering it and releasing this statement.

While MTV has not elected to cancel the show, we’ve just read that MTV responded to the “Scrubbing In” controversy by reaching out to The Truth About Nursing (TTAN). In a November 16 blog, TTAN says that in response to collective efforts to cancel or improve the show and a letter from TTAN, “MTV reached out to The Truth About Nursing to engage in extensive discussions about how to ameliorate the situation. MTV has agreed to take several helpful steps, including airing the show at a less prominent time, some re-editing of episodes, and other efforts to convey accurate information about nursing, although the last six episodes will air.”

The other efforts are expected to include an MTV blog post on what it takes to become a nurse, creating a “Day in the Life of a Nurse” MTV website feature, and continuing to consult with nurse-affiliated groups such as TTAN.

TTAN’s post thanks all the nurses who reached out to MTV execs and worked to combat the negative portrayal of travel nurses, adding, “MTV executives reached out to the Truth after receiving our letter and we engaged in lengthy discussion. They were unusually open to hearing our concerns about the links between the stereotypes, the undervaluation of nursing, and the underfunding of nursing practice and education. Our main executive contact was disturbed that there was such a strong and unanimous condemnation of ‘Scrubbing In’ by nurses, calling it an ‘eye-opening experience’ for MTV.”

While TTAN acknowledges this outcome is not what they’d consider ideal, they also assert that it is a major step in the right direction.

What’s your take on the way MTV has responded to the “Scrubbing In” controversy? And have you been watching “Scrubbing In”?

Just 16 days left until Thanksgiving and with that, the holiday season will be in full swing. It’s that magical time of year where we celebrate everything from Christmas to Kwanzaa, Hanukkah to Festivus, the Solstice to New Year’s and more. Or as I like to think of it, approximately a month and a half of desperately trying not to eat all the cookies

In anticipation and celebration of the Holiday season, there are a few Travel Nurse companies offering special promotions designed to show a little extra appreciation for Travelers — many of whom may have to work over the Holidays and be away from their home and family this season.

• The Right Solutions is doing a promotion for its Give Drive where Travelers will be offered a $500 reimbursement bonus for gifts they purchase. Qualifying Travelers must begin a 13-week contract between November 3^rd and January 5^th.
• Medical Solution is sweetening up the Holiday season with a giveaway that offers 4 chances to win a brand new iPad Air. For every Holiday worked this season, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, Travelers will be given 1 entry to win 1 of the 4 iPad Airs. Click here for full details on this sweetness.
• Rise Staffing is back with their Holiday bonus, too. Travelers get $50 for the first holiday shift worked, $100 for the second, and $250 for the third. Rise will also increase the shift bonus(es) by 10% if a Traveler elects to donate the money to charity.
• And, if you’re in the mood for a totally secular, non-holiday related affair, check out DegreeStory’s “Nursing Unveiled” contest. They are looking for you to answer the question: “What’s it really like to be a nurse?” They want you to “peel back the curtain on nursing and help outsiders understand your life” by submitting a story “that breaks down misconceptions and shines a light into nursing.” Three prizes include a $200, $500, and $1000 Amazon gift card. Get your submission in by December 4th!

What are your fun holiday plans this year? Will you be working or playing?

Ask a Travel Nurse Question:  

I’m new to traveling and recently consented over the phone to an assignment (verbal only). The company notified the facility of my verbal agreement and sent out the contract to me, but I have not yet signed. Another position came up (with a different company) which is a much better fit all around. I’ve heard verbal agreements are binding and that the travel company can fine you thousands of dollars if you cancel the agreement. Is this true? Thanks!

Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:  

Unfortunately, your question is one that can only be answered by a lawyer from the state in which your contract is binding. In many states, a verbal agreement is a binding agreement; however, if a travel company would choose to actually litigate would be another matter entirely. A company can always “fine” you, but how would they enforce that fine without legal intervention?

One other question I would have is what does your contract say? I have signed contracts that allow ME to cancel with two week’s notice. However, this is a rarity in the travel world and I have not traveled with this company in a few years and they may have even removed this clause from their contracts. But your contract is the governing document regarding your employment (and the instrument any court would use should any legal action result), so what language does it include regarding cancellations?

You have two concerns here. The first is obviously the legal concern. The second would be an ethical and professional concern. You DID agree to the contract and others made plans based on your commitment. Perhaps your company secured housing for you, or at the very least spent time corresponding with the facility to secure you a job. The facility may have also turned down other applicants based on your acceptance of the position. If you were to cancel the contract, if the company sought no legal remedy, at the very least, it is unlikely they would work with you again. While this might be of little concern (seeing as there are more than 200 agencies out there and it would probably be easy to find another agency willing to work with you), you do not want to acquire a reputation as someone who does not follow through on their commitments.

Would you wear a scarlet letter for your actions? Probably not. Would you suffer legal consequences? I would guess it would be a possibility, but not necessarily a probability. It really depends on how much work and money the company put into securing you the position and if the legal cost would justify seeking any sort of reimbursement. I don’t know the state laws under which your contract is governed, but I would guess that if a verbal commitment was binding in that state, then you could have a judgment against you. But again, would the cost of going after that judgment be in the best financial interest of the company?

I’m sorry if that does not answer your question, but hopefully it adds enough to your assessment of the situation to make an informed decision.

David

david@travelnursesbible.com

Our blog has been covering the run-up to MTV’s travel nurse reality show “Scrubbing In” for several months now. We anxiously awaited the premiere, were able to dish with one of the show’s cast members, Tyrice, and recapped the first episode.

Our number one hope for the show was that it would illuminate the important work that travel nurses do in hospitals across the world every day. We gave “Scrubbing In” the benefit of the doubt, even when the majority of our readers condemned it. However, now that the show has aired a couple of episodes and we feel Travel Nursing Blogs has given it a fair shake, we would like to express our disappointment in its content and portrayal of travel nurses.

We want to make it clear that we do not judge the nine cast members for their lifestyle choices. These choices, as far as romantic relationships, social habits, and other such personal preferences are just that — personal. Even when these choices are broadcast nationally, we still do not feel than means we should sit in judgement of them.

We also do believe that these nurses care for their patients as much as any nurse — which is a lot! When we interviewed Tyrice, one of the greatest sources of drama in the premiere, it was very clear that she is a dedicated nurse who cares deeply about the profession. The real problem is that we don’t see that angle emphasized in the program’s portrayal. Patient care is given very little screen time and even when it is shown, it is certainly overshadowed by petty personal matters and partying.

The American Nurses Association did a great job of summing up their disappointment in the ANA statement to MTV:

“Each and every day, nurses take on more responsibilities in the delivery of health care. Negative nurse portrayals seriously damage nurse-recruitment efforts and may well exacerbate a shortage that is fast reaching crisis proportions in our nations. Negative images reinforce sexist and inaccurate nurse stereotypes, and these depictions do play a role in shaping the values, impressions and ultimately career choices of young people — the very people who are so desperately needed in the profession. Even more importantly, such negative portrayals erode the highly valued trust of patients and consumers who need the expertise of nurses in their respective health care situations. Based on the premiere, this show is neither ‘reality’ nor entertainment; it is harmful and irresponsible.”

This Travel Nursing Blogs statement on MTV’s “Scrubbing In” very much agrees with the ANA’s wise and well-worded assessment.

We will continue to follow the show in hopes that it may reveal itself to be more positive in its depiction of travel nurses, but you likely won’t see as close of coverage as we have been doing over the past several months.

We hope that this Travel Nursing Blogs statement on MTV’s “Scrubbing In” makes our position clear to all of our faithful readers. Now, faithful reader, what do you think about “Scrubbing In”? Are you still watching?

It’s that spooktacular time of year again, where ghosts and ghouls roam the streets and tricks and sweet treats line the pockets of girls and boys across the land.

As a nurse, it’s possible you’ll be working on All Hallow’s Eve, but there’s still a chance for you to get in on the fun. Whatever your plans — work or play — have a Happy Halloween, Travel Nurses!

Some units, particularly in Children’s Hospitals, will host a Halloween parade with treat-or-treating. This is a great chance to provide a little extra fun for kids and their families. It’s really fun to see them kick back, even in the hospital setting, and also to see what creative costumes ideas emerge. This is also a chance for the hospital staff to show off their own creativity and sense of holiday fun. Regardless your unit, just having a holiday to celebrate can provide a little levity for everyone. One rule though — no dressing as the stereotypical “sexy nurse”! It’s as uncreative as it is played out, and nurses especially are generally really sick and tired of seeing that same costume every year.

There’s also a chance you may share some spooky tales amongst co-workers. Some hospitals — just like any building — are rumored to be haunted or have staff that claim to have witnessed paranormal or otherwise scary activity. Who knows if they’re just trying to scare the Travelers or if it’s really true!

Check out this list of the Top 10 Scariest Haunted Hospitals in the U.S. to read about some real deal haunted hospitals, including the Royal Hope Hospital, for which the entry reads:

“The hospital stood here from 1784-1821, the actual building that is there now is not the original. This hospital operated on the dead or dying from the Seminole War and the Civil War. When the town dug up the water lines they found piles and piles of bones believed to be a Timucuan Indian burial site. People believe the new building built there is still haunted by souls of the original hospital. People have reported hospital beds moving and rolling across the floor, hearing heavy sobbing, hearing footprints in the hall, of being scratched by something, and orbs have been photographed.”

If you’re near St. Augustine, Florida and feeling extra brave, the Royal Hope Hospital gives daily tours…

Have a Happy Halloween, Travel Nurses!

Ask a Travel Nurse Question:  

How do some travel nurses live out of their motor homes/campers? I think this would be efficient but I don’t see how it is feasible. Not every hospital is going to be within reasonable driving distance from an RV site. I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:  

The RV approach certainly is possible. However, it does take some extra planning and initial expense. But, if you are only traveling by yourself, it could be a lot easier. I like my one bedroom apartments while on assignment, but if it were me and I chose to travel by RV, I would buy a full size truck and a truck camper (the type that sits in the back bed of the truck). Some nice used truck campers can be had for under $10K. Even if you bought a REALLY nice, brand new truck, and opted for a new camper, you should still come in below $40K (much less than a full size RV would set you back). Plus, with these type campers, you drop it at the campground, pull out from under it, and drive to your job in just the truck. To drive a full size RV to work every day is not feasible and it would be more than I would ever want to deal with in trying to haul another car behind a full size RV.

While there are not campgrounds around every corner, there are certainly enough to find one relatively close to just about any assignment out there. Honestly, if I had my twenties to do over again, I would give very serious consideration to traveling like that.

Best of luck!

David
david@travelnursesbible.com

The cast of MTV’s “Scrubbing In” takes a dip.

MTV’s “Scrubbing In” — a hotly debated reality show focused on nine young travel nurses — premiered last night, October 24, 2013. While some support the show and have hopes it will illuminate the travel nursing industry to a national audience, the Change.org petition asking it be cancelled had more than 18,000 signatures and climbing as of this post.

Love it or hate it, we thought we’d provide a “Scrubbing In” first episode recap.

The show begins with a typical reality TV get-to-know-the-cast montage, where the nurses talk about travel nursing and why they’re doing it.

“Travel nurses are like a special forces unit,” says Chris. “We get called up to the hospital that needs us; we just pack up and go, baby.”

And Michelle pinpoints the urgency of the job, when she says, “You don’t have time to pause because you’re dealing with life or death.”

As the cast discusses their thoughts, they are shown working in the hospital with real patients. At this point they are each portrayed as dedicated, passionate nurses on the job.

Then, Adrian veers into playtime territory: “It’s a very stressful job. You have to learn ways to de-stress. Having a good time is definitely one of them.”

Scenes of the cast cheers-ing, clubbing, and dancing in a party bus, flash by as Tyrice continues, “You’re working, you’re making money, and you’re vacaying on your days off.”

Five of the cast are Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania natives and good friends. We see Heather break the news that she’s leaving to her boyfriend of 10 months, then she, Michelle, Nikki, Crystal and Chelsey, celebrate before heading to Orange County. Some of the girls worry about being mischaracterized by their new colleagues as strippers.

Next, on the West coast, the other four nurses, Tyrice, Fernando, Chris and Adrian, join the 5 Pittsburgh friends and all move into their quarters in an Orange County apartment complex.

On the first night, Tyrice gets an immediate stink-eye from the other girls, Adrian shares sad news about the death of his big brother (which in part inspired him to pursue nursing), Tyrice gets the lowdown on the cast member’s relationship statuses, and delivers this choice quote regarding her faith and her partying ways: “When I’m in church, I am going in and praising and partying just as much as I party in the club.”

Next, it’s the first day of work at Coastal Communities Hospital. As the cast settles in, Heather is pulled out of orientation due to her California license not having gone through. She has to turn in her badge and is unable to begin work. After a teary phone call to her boyfriend back in PA, she hits the pool “humiliated” and runs into Fernando who reveals that he has also been pulled. They discuss the DUI charges that lead to the delayed licenses.

Back at the hospital we see the nurses in action handle a seizuring patient and Adrian having a tough time missing his ex Jessica. After work Chelsey teases Crystal for sitting on her bed wearing “disgusting” scrubs and then the two shower together. Nikki comforts Heather.

Next, on their first day off, Adrian arranges a wild booze cruise with the cast and several of his muscle-bound and bikini-clad friends. Tyrice, already feeling excluded by the rest of the girls, and Fernando feel out of place and resolve to stick together.

For all her talk of partying ways, she says, “This is not my environment.”

Back at the hospital Tyrice asks to try out some IV equipment on Chris. The two flirt and finish the job, but then Chris is blasted by a nurse manager for being out of his department. He tells the nurse manager he’s sorry, he thought Tyrice had cleared it with her. Tyrice is also chewed out and that leads to a major tiff between Chris and Tyrice, one that continues through the car ride home and escalates in the apartment complex parking lot. Adrian, who is driving, is “just trying to eat some crackers in this bitch,” which will incur Tyrice’s wrath later on as she’s furious he didn’t intervene into her and Chris’ dispute.

The cast takes in a happy hour and Tyrice shares her tale of drama from the IV testing incident. Adrian meets up with his ex, Jessica, and then attempts to hit the club with the guys, but he’s absolutely strung out over her and unable to have any fun. Chris, meanwhile, takes his macking to the max.

Fallout from IV-gate dominates the drama for the rest of the episode as we see Tyrice’s claws come out and she attacks Adrian for his lack of intervention.

A sneak peek at the season to come is a blur of shots, make-outs, skinny-dipping, and scrubs. Tyrice sums it all up: “I plan on working hard, but partying way harder.”

Check out the show and decide for yourself what you think! Now that you’ve seen the show and read our “Scrubbing In” first episode recap, what are your thoughts on the show?