Nursing, Travel Nursing

Daily Life of a Travel Nurse: The Commute

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Fun fact: Not all travel nurses pack up all their belongings and move across the country! Many nurses have spouses and children that they care for and don’t want to be too far from their families. There is one clear solution: don’t go far away! Travel contracts are available all over the country, so lots of nurses choose locations that are within a few hours of their homes. Being able to drive home on off stretches can relieve homesickness and support family members left behind.

My Weekly Travel Nurse Commute

I am finishing a contract in St. Louis, Missouri, which isn’t far from my hometown. “Not far” meaning almost three hours away! My husband has an active social life and is a passionate guitar player, so it made sense for him to stay home during this contract. I chose to work my three 12-hour shifts each week and commute home when I had more than one day off at a time. Unfortunately, my shifts are not always together and I frequently have to drive back/forth twice per week. I also accumulate a lot of stuff that I have to take home!

Travel nurse commute: taking all my stuff home

After a full year of commuting, this girl is TIRED! Colton tries his best to come to visit me during long work stretches, but he can’t help me entertain myself during dull drives through the Midwest countryside. In this post, we take a look at my struggle bus (get it, vehicle joke?) and hopefully you’ll find some tips for your own traveler commute!

1. Problem: I get sleepy in moving vehicles.

I’m a baby, I swear! Planes, trains, automobiles, it doesn’t matter; if it rocks back and forth, I need a nap. Some of my traveler friends commute to St Louis from cities in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, and they complain of the same problem. If you’re usually on night shift like me, staying awake during a daytime drive can be difficult and even dangerous.

My action plan: Talk to people on the phone. Music and podcasts are fabulous, but they still put me to sleep! I have an emergency list of family members and friends who know that I drive frequently and are willing to talk to me on the phone.

For example, my mom works early hours, so she expects a phone call from me every day when I leave work. My best friend is free mid-mornings because she is a stay-at-home mom, and my husband is happy to chitchat during the afternoons. I’m blessed to have multiple siblings and close family members who fill in the gaps!

Perk: This can help busy travel nurses stay in touch with their loved ones. You have to drive and they want to talk to you!

2. Problem: I get bored and crave snacks.

Drive-thru, anyone? I get the uncontrollable urge to munch while I’m driving, and McDonald’s filet-o-fish sandwich and a Coke always tempt me as I leave the city. Not only are drive-thrus usually unhealthy, but they also get expensive. In the month of April, my husband and I spent a cumulative $600 on gas because we drive so often. We can’t afford to eat out every time we get in the car!

To combat this weight-gaining habit, I’ve started bringing small snacks with me in the car. Honey-roasted peanuts mixed with raisins is my go-to snack right now! Any high-protein and/or low-calorie food that you like to eat at work would also be a good option. I’m all for saving money, so if you can bulk purchase your snacks, I say go for it.

Coke from McDonalds travel nurse commute

3. Pro: I have time to listen to podcasts!

Okay, I actually look forward to my driving time for this reason! I alternate between Coffee Break Spanish’s language learning podcast lessons and numerous nursing education podcasts. For the full list of nursing resources that I personally love, including podcasts, read My Favorite ICU Nurse Resources!

A key part of listening to podcasts (or music) is to alternate what you’re doing. A constant influx of the same information is more likely to put you to sleep or make you dread your long drive. I like to listen to a podcast episode, switch to music for a little while, call a friend, and repeat! If you’re learning a language or a new skill, as I am with Coffee Break Spanish, a travel nurse commute gives you dedicated time to practice.

travel nurse commute driving

What podcasts or music do you like to listen to on your nursing commute? Any suggestions for me? Leave it in the comments below or message me! 😊

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Boujie on a Budget, Nursing, Travel, Travel Nursing

My Easy Tips for Planning a Vacation During Travel Nurse Assignments

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One of the things I get asked all the time is, “How do you go on so many trips if you have a full-time job?” Planning a vacation during a travel nurse assignment is much easier than people think! My tips below are exactly what I do on a monthly basis to plan my trips and go on adventures despite my busy schedule. Here we go!

Skyler on vacation in San Francisco

1. Put it in your CONTRACT.

You can only plan a trip if you have the dates off in your contract. Period. Sometimes we have friendly coworkers who will switch shifts at the last minute, but you should NOT count on that! Only put money down on a vacation if you are guaranteed the days off.

With that being said, how do you get the days off? I give my recruiter a detailed list of dates I plan to request in a travel nurse contract. She looks over the dates and gives me feedback on whether or not she thinks the hospital will accept them. I’m lucky to have a fantastic recruiter through Aya Healthcare whom I trust, so I appreciate her input! However, you can submit any dates you want, regardless of your recruiter’s approval.

(If you need a great recruiter, I always recommend Pari Constan! Click here for her link!)

Your days off should be explicitly listed in your written contract BEFORE you sign it! If the hospital gives you the runaround and promises to work it out with the scheduler later without having it in your contract, don’t trust them. That is a huge red flag.

2. Plan your trip from Wednesday through Wednesday.

Most inpatient hospital contracts are for three 12-hour shifts per week (3x12s). I’ve discovered that if I can still complete my contracted hours in a week, management is much more willing to work with me on vacation days!

I purposefully schedule my time off for Wednesday through Wednesday, 8 days total. This allows me to work Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before I leave for a trip. I work the night shift, so I plan to be back to work on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the following week!

I usually try to fly home on Wednesday night to adjust my sleep schedule before Thursday night, but I have also flown in last minute before a shift. Be careful doing that! Wednesdays are one of the cheapest travel days, so you may as well head home for cheap and not push it too close. 🙂

For example, I took time off in February 2023 to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans. In my current contract extension, I requested time off from Wednesday, February 15th – Wednesday, February 22nd. I will work Thursday night, February 23rd, and I didn’t lose a dime in wages! Since I didn’t miss any required shifts, management had no problem with my days off. I’ve done this at least 10 times with no issues! 

You can submit new vacation dates every time you start a new contract or extend an existing one.

Note: Some hospital contracts sign for four 12-hour shifts (4x12s). In that case, you would only be able to take off Thursday-Tuesday if you still plan to work your required shifts.

3. Be ready to jump back in!

carry-on suitcases

This one is vital to making vacationing feasible during contracts. I once worked 5 nightshifts in a row and then flew out of state the morning after my last shift. The trip was fantastic, but I came in hot before my next shift to find….dirty scrubs. No food in my house. Missing sneakers and work badge. It was horrible! I didn’t set myself up for success, and I will never make that mistake again.

Since then, I always ensure that I have at least one pair of clean scrubs ready to go when I get home. I leave my name badge on my nightstand, NOT in my travel luggage, and I have backup frozen meals in my freezer for emergencies!

“Coming in hot,” or getting back into town the same day that I work a night shift, has actually become manageable when I do this. Prep yourself for success!

Following these simple tips has made planning a vacation during contracts easy for me. I love going on adventures and never want to give that up for a job!

If this topic sparks your interest, you might be interested in the following articles:

“Traveling Light: How I Vacation with a Carry-on” – All about how I pack light and make quick trips easier!

“Skip The Line: The Magic of TSA Precheck” – I confidently sleep after my shift/before flying out because my TSA Precheck reduces my security line wait time!

“Flying Cheap: The Hopper App and Spirit Airlines” – I’ll admit it, I am the queen of planning a vacation last-minute because these tools make it easy!

Skyler RN photo in surgical green
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Nursing, Travel Nursing

3 Practical Ways to Care for Yourself as a Travel Nurse

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I love getting my nails done as much as any woman, but nursing demands a new set of self-care skills! Since hospitals won’t let us have our nails painted, we have to look outside the box to care for ourselves and support our mental health. The physical, mental, and emotional strain of being a nurse combined with the unique challenges of living miles (or states) away from your family can be hard to handle. I believe self-care and self-love are essential for success as a travel nurse, so read my best suggestions for travel nursing self-care below!

1. Your Health Comes First (get it? It’s #1!)

Eat enough food

It’s easy to find yourself not eating enough food when you start a new travel contract. Driving back and forth between cities on very little sleep, taking quick naps before shifts or required social gatherings, and having limited time to go to the store can lead to terrible diet choices. I used to eat like a kindergartener when I first started traveling because I had only a microwave and minimal fridge space. If your goal is to survive off mini microwavable mac-n-cheese cups or Lunchables, you do you! However, ensuring that you actually eat home-cooked food can make or break your traveling experience.

Guilty….I do love mac-n-cheese cups!

My tip: Never rent somewhere without a stove or electric cooking top. You can eat a reasonably healthy diet and cook various meals if you have a functional kitchen area. Right now, I am blessed to be staying in an apartment with a beautifully stocked kitchen, which is THE BEST. If you can find a good kitchen in a rental, I highly encourage you to utilize it!

I started eating healthier and saving significant money by packing hot lunches to take to work. Some of my favorites are pasta with grilled chicken, rice with cooked diced vegetables and grilled chicken, and high-protein veggie burgers. I get pre-cooked grilled chicken from ALDI, which is lean meat, high protein, and easy to add to my pasta or stir fry when I warm it up at the hospital. The burgers that I eat are also from ALDI, and while they get pretty soft when you microwave them, they have still proven themselves to be a solid option at 2am!

Something about cold lunches never feels satisfying in the middle of my shift, so I typically avoid them. I save tuna salad or chicken salad sandwiches, refrigerated fruit cups, and salty snacks for when I get home!

My meal-prepped fridge

If you already have an exercise routine, stick with it if possible. Many popular gyms, including the YMCA and Planet Fitness, are national memberships that will grant you access to any location. My membership to the YMCA lets me in the door and allows me to sign up for classes at my home gym and the gym in my contracted city. If you don’t have an exercise routine, now could be the perfect time to start one! You probably have more free time than you did at home, and it’s a scientifically proven way to prevent depression, normalize your hormones, and keep yourself energized. If you’re homesick, a little forced exercise definitely couldn’t hurt.

2. Make Sure You Follow Your “Why”

Why did you decide to travel? Was it for the increased pay? Did you want to travel for adventure and sightseeing? Were you looking for new experiences? Was it because you wanted to live in a specific area or be closer to other family/friends? There are endless reasons we decide to travel nurse, but I’d like to encourage you not to lose sight of your “why.”

If you’re trying to make as much money as possible, ensure you don’t neglect your health as you chase that (very reachable) goal. If you choose to travel for the actual travel experiences, use that reason to prioritize your free time. By following your “why,” you will end your contract feeling much more satisfied and fulfilled than if you just plodded through your assignment.

My “why” was not originally money-focused. Of course, it was exciting to see my pay package offers for my first assignment, but I ultimately decided to try it because I wanted to get out of town. I wanted to travel the world, so I was thrilled to start traveling the country! The extra income has helped fuel the leisurely side of traveling, but the adventure of it is still where my heart lies.

My tip: Carefully choose between 36-48 hours. Remember, you can always pick up overtime, but you can’t usually decrease your hours after you’ve started! Those 48-hour contract price points might seem tempting, and that might match your personal goals, but remember to take care of yourself first.

3. Don’t JUST Work.

I know it can be tempting to pick up those extra shifts when you know you’re making travel pay. Fridays are my favorite day of the week (thank you, weekly paychecks)! However, you need days off during the week even if your goal is to make tons of money. Those three months will fly by faster than you expect, even as an experienced traveler. My favorite memories from contracts are always time with friends and having new experiences, and I’ve made some really incredible friendships while traveling!

Make friends with other travelers. Nurses love to eat, and some breakfast mimosas after a long shift are a multi-purpose way to unwind! I love a good mimosa flight and pancake brunch! Bonding with other nurses can build connections for switching shifts, give you people to chat with at night to stay awake, and can be convenient when you need a new reference at the end of your contract.

Don’t be afraid to be a tourist! A quick Google search will pop up plenty of bucket list activities in most cities/areas, and there are usually options advertised on the city’s official website too. Experiencing the local attractions together can be a smooth entry into befriending other travel nurses too!

VACATION! If you’ve read this blog at all, you know this is my FAVORITE topic! I try to take 1-2 weeks off between each contract or contract extension for some R&R. I’ve never had a problem getting a few weeks of vacation time off during my contracts.

My tip: Arrange your time off to start on a Wednesday and end on the following Wednesday. This lets you work your three shifts each week and allows you to have a vacation without compromising your budget. Managers appreciate this format too! 😊

On vacation in San Francisco, CA between contract extensions

For tips on finding restaurants to visit with your new travel nurse friends, click here to read my article, “How I Find Great Restaurants in New Cities!”

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Nursing, Travel Nursing

Five Interesting Lessons Travel Nursing Has Taught Me

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To become a traveler, a nurse has to work at least 1-2 years in their chosen specialty and grow confident in their ability to work independently. Travel nurses take short-term contracts (often around 12 weeks long) and jump straight into short-staffed units with little to no orientation. This is a difficult transition no matter how experienced you are. I’ve been travel nursing for over a year and have narrowed down five major lessons that travel nursing has taught me!

1. Not everyone travels with the same priorities.

I work with many people who are only there for the famous “travel nurse” paycheck. They clock in, do their job (usually very well!), and clock out. They aren’t interested in making too many friends because they travel home to their families every moment they’re off work. The other side of the spectrum travels to experience new things and meet new people. They are the friendly nurses that might talk your ear off while you’re charting and always want to make plans on your off weekends. If it’s possible to fall in the middle, that’s where I find myself! I love new experiences, exploration, and adventures in a new city, but I will hit up those extra shifts for the paycheck!

2. We are not all single in our 20s.

While I partially fit that stereotype, many travelers are career nurses with 10+ years in their specialty. A surprising number of travelers I’ve met have spouses, loved ones, kids, and jobs back home. These nurses are the ones I admire the most! For them, these contracts are a means to an end. While traveling is not for everyone, it can help people from a wide variety of backgrounds reach their financial goals.

3. Our contracts are not legally binding.

Agencies actually call them “work agreements.” Hospitals constantly drop our pay, float us to other units in their hospital, and end our contracts on a dime. Unfortunately, travel nurses are frequently blocked from that hospital system if they leave their contracts early. According to experienced long-term travelers, these practices were unheard of pre-COVID. Traveler forums are filled with uproar about these practices, but legal action is slow and inefficient. This is one of the downsides of traveling.

4. Housing is hard.

Safe, affordable housing can be tough to find. Most of us use Furnished Finder, a website specifically designed for healthcare travelers to find short-term furnished accommodations without extra fees. I’ve been fortunate enough to find suitable housing at each of my contract locations. Still, many other nurses are not so lucky! Some nurses lose deposits to scammers or end up in some pretty crazy housing situations if they aren’t careful.

5. Traveling can make you an incredible nurse.

Functioning in new environments every few months can teach you endlessly valuable skills, improve your critical thinking, and broaden your knowledge of specialty care. My abilities have blossomed over the past year of traveling. I never could have become the nurse I am today if I had stayed at one location my entire career! Travel nursing teaches you to think on your feet, stand up for yourself, and help you broaden your clinical approach past simple protocols.

Skyler in nursing scrubs, on first travel nursing contract

While it’s not feasible for everyone, I believe that travel nursing has valuable lessons to teach every nurse. To read more about my nursing specialty, click here! If you are a nurse and have been peripherally following the travel nursing world, keep an eye on this blog for practical help to get started!

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Nursing

I’m an intensive-care unit (ICU) nurse and care for the sickest patients in the hospital.

I left my staff nurse position in June 2021 to begin travel nursing. I take temporary contracts across the U.S. and jump straight in to help with critical staffing shortages! My husband, Colton, joins me when he can and takes care of our home in Central Illinois.

Ultimately, I plan to complete my master’s degree to become a critical care nurse practitioner. I love to teach, and nursing education is one of my passions! Follow along to discover what travel nursing is like, the crazy situations that nurses find themselves in, and tips for starting off in the travel nursing world!

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