Category: Blog

Perks of Part-Time Traveling

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or new to the field, working as a part-time traveler can be a great way to earn extra income. There are endless possibilities and many opportunities for part-time travelers, so let’s take a closer look at the perks of part-time traveling.

Can travelers work part-time?

Most traveling healthcare professionals work full-time, traveling from one location to the next. However, traveling part-time is possible. Unlike traditional part-time work, travelers seeking part-time employment will still work regular 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts depending on the position and the facility. And instead of working an average 13-week contract, part-time traveling healthcare professionals often choose assignments lasting 6-10 weeks or shorter. Shorter assignments allow part-time travelers to maintain a better work-life balance, as they can choose to have shorter contracts with longer breaks in between.

How does part-time traveling work?

Working as a part-time traveler is flexible, allowing healthcare professionals to choose assignments based on their specific needs. For example, a traveler may work an average 13-week assignment and take one to three months off between contracts. On the other hand, a traveler may opt to take on shorter, 6-10-week assignments and only take a few weeks off before their next contract.

The traveler is in total control. They can work on several smaller assignments in one location or change locations frequently to travel more. In addition, part-time travelers may choose to work on assignments close to home. However, it is essential to understand that working on an assignment close to your permanent address may mean you miss out on housing and travel stipends or reimbursements.

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits to being a healthcare traveler, but there are a few unique benefits for medical professionals that travel part-time:

Flexibility: Because these assignments are typically shorter than the average, part-time travelers that the freedom to be more selective when choosing their assignments. They can travel as much or as little as their lifestyle allows.

Higher Pay: Facilities offer higher pay rates to travelers than permanent staff. However, many facilities may have a higher need to fill a position in specific locations at certain times, offering shorter contracts with great pay.

Experience: Healthcare traveling is a great way to learn new skills and gain valuable experience. Part-time travelers have an accelerated opportunity to acquire this knowledge.

Start working as a part-time traveler with RTG Medical

At RTG Medical, we understand the importance of travelers controlling their contracts. We strive to give our travelers the resources to make informed decisions about their assignments. Our knowledgeable recruiters can help you find the best assignment and location for your needs. Let RTG Medical take you on your next adventure. Contact us today to get started!

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Top Travel Healthcare Myths

Working as a traveling healthcare professional is an incredibly rewarding career. Travelers have a unique opportunity to go on new adventures, visit new cities, and experience new work environments. There are several stereotypes and misconceptions about healthcare traveling, but don’t let them drive you away from a great opportunity. Here are five myths you may have heard about healthcare traveling.

#1 “You can’t travel with family or pets.”

It’s common for traveling healthcare professionals to bring their spouses, children, pets, and friends along on their adventures! With enough planning and preparation, you can easily travel with family or pets. Here are a few things to consider:

What’s your travel plan? Are you taking the road or the skies? Will you rent a U-Haul, pack the RV, or travel light?

Where will you stay? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you need a dedicated workspace for homework or a remote job? Does it accommodate your furry friend?

What about education? Is school in-person, online, or homeschool?

Who is doing the childcare? Are you traveling with a family member, spouse, or nanny? Will you hire as you go?

Remember, communication is key when traveling with family or pets. You can create lasting memories on your travel assignment by keeping an open dialogue and being prepared.

#2 “It’s difficult to get an assignment.”

Nursing, Long-Term Care and Allied health positions are always in high demand in hospitals and other medical facilities. With positions open anywhere from small, rural communities to large cities, you’ll have no problem finding a travel assignment. As the demand for traveling medical professionals continues to rise, it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of healthcare traveling.

#3 “I’ll get the worst shifts and no vacation or PTO.”

One of the most significant benefits of working as a healthcare traveler is the ability to choose which assignments you take and negotiate for time off, allowing for a better work-life balance. With various contract durations available, healthcare professionals can enjoy flexible schedules that traditional staff positions can’t offer. And since you can choose when and where you work, you can also decide when and where you don’t, allowing you to enjoy vacations between assignments. Working closely with your recruiter can help you discover the perfect assignment. Ultimately, you have the final say, but keep in mind that hospitals and other facilities make the offers, not your recruiter.

#4 “There is no stability.”

It’s a common misconception that travelers don’t receive benefits. Just like you care for your patients, your medical staffing agency should care for you.   

RTG Medical offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
  • A Competitive 401(k) with Company Match
  • Referral bonuses
  • Elect life insurance

Despite a slight decrease in demand post-pandemic, there is still a constant need for healthcare travelers throughout the country. Stability remains in the healthcare traveling job market.

#5 “The pay really isn’t much higher.”

The average rate for a travel RN in 2023 is $51/hour­­— a significant increase compared to the average hourly rate of a staff RN which stands at approximately $38/hour. In addition to their salaries, healthcare travelers often receive housing stipends and reimbursements for daily expenses exempt from their taxes. This unique pay structure provides a higher net income than staff nurses whose entire income is taxable. In addition, travel positions may offer more opportunities for overtime pay, extra shifts, and contract extensions.

At RTG Medical, we are your traveling partner. We provide industry-leading competitive compensation packages customized to fit your needs. We offer a single point of contact, so your process is streamlined from profile submission to placement. If you are ready to become a traveling healthcare professional with us, contact us to get started.

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5 Skills Every Traveling Medical Professional Should Have

As a traveling medical professional, certain skills can make your job easier and more effective. Here are five skills that every traveling medical professional should have:

#1 Adaptability

Traveling medical professionals often work in new and unfamiliar environments, which can be challenging. Having the ability to adapt to new situations is essential to success. In addition to adapting to new environments, several aspects of adaptability are necessary for traveling medical professionals:

–       Flexibility: Being able to adjust to changes in schedules, patient needs, and healthcare protocols is crucial.

–       Open-mindedness: Keeping an open mind to new ideas and approaches can lead to better patient care and more effective teamwork with colleagues.

–       Resilience: Medical professionals often face difficult situations and high-stress environments. Being able to bounce back from setbacks is an important part of adaptability.

By cultivating these skills, traveling medical professionals can thrive in their work and provide the best patient care possible.

#2 Clinical Expertise

Of course, having strong clinical skills is essential for any medical professional. As a traveling medical professional, you should be confident in your ability to provide quality care in a variety of settings.

As a traveling medical professional, you’ll encounter a diverse range of patients, each with a unique medical history, cultural background, and language barriers. By improving your clinical expertise, you’ll provide better care and build stronger relationships with your patients.

To provide quality care, you’ll need not only excellent clinical skills but also strong communication skills.

#3 Communication

Effective communication is crucial in any healthcare setting. As a traveling medical professional, you’ll need to communicate not only with patients, but also with other healthcare professionals. Having strong communication skills is especially important in the healthcare industry, where clear and concise communication can be a matter of life and death. As a traveling medical professional, you’ll encounter a diverse range of patients and healthcare providers, each with their own unique communication styles and needs. Here are some tips for effective communication in a healthcare setting:

  • Listen actively: Take the time to truly listen to your patients and colleagues, and ask clarifying questions when needed.
  • Be clear and concise: Use simple language and avoid medical jargon when speaking with patients. When communicating with other healthcare professionals, be precise and use appropriate terminology.
  • Use nonverbal communication: Body language and tone of voice can convey just as much information as words. Make eye contact, use appropriate facial expressions, and pay attention to your tone and pitch.
  • Be respectful: Treat everyone with respect and empathy, regardless of their background or circumstances. This includes patients, their families, and your colleagues.
  • Use technology wisely: With the rise of telemedicine and remote work, it’s important to be comfortable using technology to communicate. Make sure you understand how to use any communication tools you’ll be using and be mindful of privacy and security concerns.

By practicing these communication skills, you’ll be better equipped to provide quality care to your patients and collaborate effectively with your colleagues, no matter where your travels take you.

#4 Time Management

As a traveling medical professional, you may work in multiple locations and with different schedules. Good time management skills will help you stay organized and meet deadlines. Here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively as a traveling medical professional:

  • Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your schedule and deadlines. Make sure to include travel time between different locations.
  • Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. This will help you focus on the most important tasks and avoid procrastination.
  • Try to minimize distractions while working. This could mean turning off your phone or finding a quiet workspace.
  • Take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and increase productivity. Use this time to stretch or take a short walk.
  • Stay flexible and adaptable. As a traveling medical professional, unexpected changes may occur that require you to adjust your schedule or priorities.

Implementing these time management strategies help you stay organized and efficient in your work as a traveling medical professional.

#5 Emotional Intelligence

As a traveling nurse, it’s important to be aware of cultural differences that may impact patient care. Patients from different backgrounds may have different expectations and beliefs, which could influence their reactions to medical interventions. Learning about a patient’s cultural background and beliefs can help you provide respectful and culturally appropriate care.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that patients may be feeling vulnerable or anxious, especially if they are in an unfamiliar environment. Taking the time to explain procedures and treatments clearly and compassionately can help put patients at ease.

As a traveling nurse, you may also encounter patients with complex medical histories or conditions that require specialized care. In these situations, working closely with the patient’s healthcare team is essential to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

As a traveling nurse, it’s essential to approach each patient with empathy and a willingness to learn about their unique needs and circumstances. By doing so, you can provide high-quality care that meets the physical and emotional needs of your patients.

Traveling medical professionals should have adaptability, clinical expertise, strong communication skills, time management, and emotional intelligence. These skills will stand out on your resume and help you make the most out of each assignment.

Contact us today or visit our job board to plan your next travel assignment.

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How Long are Healthcare Travel Assignments?

If you are considering a career as a traveling healthcare professional, it’s essential to understand the typical lengths of travel assignments. While assignments can be shorter or longer, the average healthcare travel assignment is 13 weeks. This time allows healthcare professionals to adjust to a new environment, gain experience, and explore a new location. However, assignment lengths will vary based on the facility’s needs and the type of healthcare position. Hospitals and other medical facilities typically choose the length of an assignment, but as a traveling medical professional, you can choose which assignments you take.

Shorter Length Assignments

Shorter assignment lengths mean you get to travel more. With each contract lasting 4, 6, or 8 weeks on average, you can visit many new cities relatively quickly. This not only means you get to see more of the country, but it also gives you a chance to experience different cultures and meet new people.

It’s essential to keep in mind, however, that taking on shorter travel assignments also means you’ll be moving more frequently. Packing your belongings and finding new accommodations every few weeks can be a hassle. Completing paperwork for each assignment can be time-consuming, so staying on top of your paperwork is vital to avoid delays or complications.

Despite these challenges, many traveling medical professionals find taking on shorter travel assignments is worth it for the opportunity to explore new places and gain experience in different healthcare settings.

Longer Length Assignments

Longer-term assignments allow you to get more comfortable and will enable you to immerse yourself in the local community and experience the area’s culture. In addition, you are working with the same team for an extended amount of time, allowing you to develop stronger professional relationships and improve your skills.

Housing is easier to secure for longer travel assignments, and many medical travelers can find furnished housing or apartments. However, taking on a longer travel assignment can be difficult for medical travelers with family or pets. While there may be challenges to traveling with children or pets, planning and preparation, the experience can be an opportunity for growth, adventure, and making lasting memories.

If you are considering a longer-term travel assignment, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. With the proper preparation and mindset, a longer-term travel assignment can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Extending a Contract

On average, extending your travel assignment contract is simple. If you’re considering extending your contract, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

  • Communication with your recruiter is key. Let them know if you want to extend your travel assignment as soon as possible. Your recruiter can work with the facility to see if an extension is possible and negotiate the terms on your behalf.
  • If you enjoy your current location, consider taking a shorter assignment in another city and returning in the future.
  • Keep in mind that extending your travel assignment may affect your tax status. According to the IRS, temporary jobs must last less than a year. If you stay in one area too long, it may be considered a permanent assignment, and you could miss out on tax-free stipends.

If you are a traveling medical professional, it’s critical to consider your options when choosing your travel assignment. It may be challenging to find an assignment length that aligns with your lifestyle, so it is important to have a thorough discussion with your recruiter to find your ideal contract.

At RTG Medical, our recruiters are ready to help you find the perfect position in the perfect place. We offer a variety of locations, compensation, benefits, and 24-hour service. Contact us today to start your next adventure.

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Top 5 Benefits of Being an ICU Travel Nurse

Are you considering becoming an ICU travel nurse? Then you are aware that this position can offer several perks and benefits. For nurses who work in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), traveling is a great way to expand your skillset and travel the country.

ICU nurses care for patients who have experienced traumatic events such as heart attacks, strokes, or car accidents. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of ICU nurses in the United States, forcing hospitals and other healthcare facilities to depend on travel nurses to fill vacant positions. Independent medical staffing agencies like RTG Medical typically employ these travel nurses.

Here are the Top 5 benefits of being an ICU travel nurse:

#1 Travel Positions Pay More Than Staff Positions

ICU travel nurses can expect to receive a significantly higher salary than a staff ICU nurse. Along with base pay, travel nurses are provided with additional benefits. They are guaranteed a certain number of hours and may receive bonuses, stipends, and daily non-taxable per diems for other expenses. Overall, this makes ICU travel nursing an attractive and lucrative option.

#2 Expand Your Skills & Experience

ICU nurses who travel can learn new skills and acquire more experience to add to their resumes. They work in diverse settings, which exposes them to new places while providing opportunities to learn and excel. Even if they eventually choose a permanent job, they will better understand what work environments they prefer.

Traveling healthcare professionals must be adaptable and open to learning new things. They may find themselves working in a different or unfamiliar specialty, but this only adds to their skills and versatility. They become more capable of handling critical patient situations as they gain experience working in different and diverse scenarios.

Traveling ICU nurses also gain new skills, such as using new medical equipment or improving their bedside manner. They leave their assignments as better nurses than when they started, a valuable asset in the healthcare industry. Who would want to avoid developing their skills while seeing new places and meeting new people?

#3 Impact More Patients

ICU nurses traveling across the country to work with patients also bring them knowledge from working in different healthcare settings. This allows them to adapt quickly to new environments and situations to provide the best possible care for their patients on an assignment. In addition, the experience of working with diverse patient populations can also enhance their skills in managing complex medical conditions, improving patient outcomes, and reducing the risk of medical errors.

The emotional support that ICU nurses provide is critical to the well-being of patients and their families. These nurses are often the primary point of contact for families struggling to cope with the stress and anxiety of having a loved one in the ICU. By offering a compassionate ear and a shoulder to lean on, ICU nurses can help ease the emotional burden on patients and families.

#4 You Get to Travel

One of the most popular reasons to become a traveling healthcare professional is, well, the travel! As an ICU travel nurse, you can travel the country and choose new places to explore. With a constantly changing work environment and new places to discover, you’ll have the opportunity to start checking off boxes on your bucket list.

#5 Job Flexibility and Security

As an ICU travel nurse, you’ll always have a job available to you— in fact, you may have to turn down opportunities! The high demand for ICU travel nurses means that you can be selective about the hours you work, the facility you work at, and your pay. With this kind of flexibility and security, ICU travel nursing is a great career choice for those seeking a fulfilling career in healthcare.

If you have a passion for improving the lives of others and an adventurous spirit, becoming an ICU travel nurse may be the perfect job for you! Contact RTG Medical today to connect with a recruiter and find the ideal ICU travel nursing job for you!

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What are the Most In-Demand Travel Nursing Specialties for 2023?

The demand for travel nurses continues to grow in 2023. While every nursing specialization is important, some are currently in higher demand than others for filling positions. This can vary depending on factors such as location, healthcare needs, and population demographics. Whether you’re a newbie traveler looking to pick a specialty that best suits you or an experienced traveler searching for the best specialty, it is important to learn about the most in-demand travel nursing specialties.

ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

Job Demand: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Intensive Care Unit nurses specialize in caring for patients who have experienced a serious accident, suffered life-threatening injuries, or traumatic experiences, or have recently undergone major or complicated surgical procedures.

ICU nurses take care of the most vulnerable patients, so they must have self-assurance and confidence to make split-second decisions.

ER (Emergency Room)

Job Demand: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emergency Room nurses work in a demanding environment. Between allergic reactions, injuries from accidents, broken bones, and chest pain, ER nurses must be skilled at working in unpredictable situations.

Working in the ER is perfect for nurses that thrive in high-pressure environments and enjoy the intensity associated with this specialty.

L&D (Labor & Delivery)

Job Demand: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Labor & Delivery nurses care for the mother and baby before, during, and after birth. Labor is mentally, physically, and emotionally draining. As an L&D nurse, you support your patients to ensure a safe delivery for both mother and baby.

L&D nurses need a diverse skill set to start IVs, run drips, insert catheters, perform cervical checks, monitor both mother and baby, and so much more.

PCU (Progressive Care Unit)

Job Demand: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Progressive Care Unit nurses care for patients that don’t require the level of care found in the ICU but need more than traditional bedside care. The recovery of a patient in the PCU relies heavily on their treatment.

PCU nurses monitor and evaluate patients to communicate even the slightest changes to the patient’s care team.

OR (Operating Room)

Job Demand: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Operating Room nurses are essential to the surgical team. OR nurses provide care for patients before, during, and after operations and procedures.

OR nurses typically perform pre-operation assessments, maintain a sterile environment, and monitor vitals during surgery.

Are you looking for a travel nursing assignment? Our recruiters are ready to help you find the perfect position in the perfect place. We offer a variety of locations, compensation, benefits, and 24-hour service. Check out the job opportunities at RTG Medical or contact us today to start your next adventure!

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Managing Different Time Zones as a Healthcare Traveler

Stay on Top of Time Change During Your Next Travel Assignment!

As a healthcare traveler, you are no stranger to the hustle and bustle of traveling for work. Between coordinating transportation, scheduling housing, and managing your workloads, the last thing you want to worry about is what time it is in the area where you are working. With different states come different time zones, and if you’re not prepared, this can cause confusion and stress. Let’s look at some tips on how to manage different time zones as a healthcare traveler on assignment within the United States.

The First Step Is To Know Your Time Zone(s)


Before you start your next travel assignment, make sure that you know what time zone that area is in. This information should be provided by the contracting agency prior to arriving at your assignment. Knowing the time zone ahead of time allows you to plan out your days more effectively. For example, if you know when daylight savings time begins (or ends) in an area before arriving for your assignment, then you can plan accordingly with simple practices like changing all of your clocks before leaving home or being aware of how long it will take to arrive at each location during certain times. You can also use this knowledge to plan ahead of important meetings that may conflict with other scheduled events or obligations back home.

Prioritize Self-Care & Setting Boundaries


It’s important not only to stay organized but also prioritize self-care while traveling between different time zones. Part of this involves setting boundaries around how often and when you’re available for work. As your top healthcare travel agency, we want to ensure your needs and availability are properly communicated to your new facility. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone but it’s equally as important to take care of yourself first so that when it comes time for work, you’re able to give it your all!

Take Advantage Of Technology & Apps


Fortunately, there are many tools available today that make managing multiple time zones easier than ever before! Take advantage of apps like World Clock Pro which enable users to sync their devices across multiple locations in order to ensure accuracy when scheduling appointments and meetings across multiple states (or even countries). Additionally, many digital calendars now offer features such as auto-timezone detection which help prevent issues related to crossed wires between parties due differences in local times from one location versus another – all without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home!


Navigating multiple time zones as a healthcare traveler doesn’t have to be stressful! By taking advantage of technology tools such as apps like World Clock Pro and digital calendars with auto-timezone detection features, managing different locations with varying times becomes much simpler than ever before! Traveling with RTG Medical will give you a single point of contact, a recruiter who can help you every step of the way. Interested in more information? Contact us today, we would love to get you started on your next travel assignment!

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Top Travel Destinations for Summer 2023

Six Must-See Cities for Your Summer 2023 Healthcare Travel Assignment

The winter season is coming to an end, so it’s time to start thinking about your summer 2023 travel assignment. Travel assignments with RTG Medical might just be what you’re looking for if you’re a healthcare professional who loves exploring new places. Take a look at these six must-see cities for your summer assignment in 2023.

Wilmington, Delaware

Located on the Delaware River, Wilmington is just a short drive from Philadelphia. With plenty of museums and historic sites to explore, it’s a great destination for history and culture lovers. You can also take a stroll through the beautiful Brandywine Park, which is home to several gardens and a zoo. Wilmington also has great food, with lots of local restaurants and breweries.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and is known for its scenic views, outdoor activities, and wildlife. With long daylight hours during the summer months, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy everything Anchorage has to offer. Get a taste of Alaska by taking a scenic drive along the Seward Highway, fishing for salmon, hiking to a glacier, or watching for whales. Anchorage also has a great food and drink scene, with plenty of local breweries and restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

In northern Wisconsin, Bayfield sits on the shores of Lake Superior. It’s perfect for those who love outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Take a boat tour to the Apostle Islands, a group of 22 islands with pristine beaches and unique rock formations. Bayfield also has several wineries and orchards, so make sure to try some fruit and wine from the area.

Boston, Massachusetts

Sports teams, museums, and universities make Boston a popular tourist destination. Summertime is the perfect time to walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking path that takes you through some of Boston’s most historic spots. Check out the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country, or catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. The food scene in Boston is also thriving, with a lot of seafood restaurants and local eateries.

Telluride, Colorado

The town of Telluride is nestled in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. With plenty of hiking, biking, and rock-climbing opportunities, it’s a popular outdoor destination. You can also take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain, where you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding area. Telluride is also known for its music festivals, so be sure to check the schedule and catch a show during your visit.

Nomad, Washington

The town of Nomad is on the eastern side of Washington state. You’ll find plenty of hiking and fishing options nearby, so it’s a great destination for outdoorsies. Nomad is also famous for its wineries, so be sure to take a tour and taste some local wine. If you’re visiting in August, make sure you check out the North Central Washington Fair, which has live music, rodeos, and carnival rides.

 Join other healthcare travelers and partner up with RTG Medical

These six cities are a must-see for your summer 2023 RTG Medical assignment. Each of these cities has its own unique attractions and culture, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your interests. These amazing destinations have something for everyone, from the stunning scenery of Anchorage to the historic sites of Boston. We have helped tons of healthcare travelers find jobs in locations they’ve always wanted to travel to! If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, reach out to RTG Medical today! 

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Safety Tips for Healthcare Travelers

Traveling in healthcare allows you to continue doing what you love, while exploring places you’ve always wanted to visit! You’re more likely to stay safe while on your assignments if you’re comfortable and prepared. Here are some safety tips for healthcare travelers!

Plan ahead

As you prepare for your next adventure, it is imperative that you plan ahead. Finding safe and affordable housing is one of the most important things you can do. There are several things you can do to avoid housing scams, including knowing what fake ads look like, being aware of red flags, and reporting scams when you see them. Another thing you can use is areavibes, which gives you a livability score based on nearby amenities, the cost of living and crime rates. Familiarize yourself with the area you’ll be working and living in before you go.

Get an AAA membership

If you are going to be driving to your destination, you should definitely invest in AAA. An AAA membership aids you with 24 hour roadside assistance including tow trucks, jump starts, vehicle lock-outs, flat tires, and more. It’s nice to know that you can call for help if you encounter car problems along the way. You can also get member-only discounts on hotels and restaurants.

Keep in touch

This one probably goes without saying, but keep in touch with your friends and family back home. Also, update your emergency contact information before leaving just in case. Be sure someone knows your travel schedule, and update them along the way. Let them know where you’ll be working and living, and when you get there. It’s important to let them know you’re safe, but also share your experiences. If anything goes awry while on assignment, know that your recruiter is here to help, too!

Travel in groups

It’s understandable that you want to explore a new area, but you should try and travel in a group or with a buddy. You’ll make new friends while on assignment, and it can be fun to take on the new area with them. Plus, if they’re from there, you can experience living like a local. You can also ask your coworkers some of their favorite spots and places to eat, grab a drink, or a cup of coffee at. Keep your wits about you and always know it’s better safe than sorry.

Join other healthcare travelers and partner up with RTG Medical

We have helped tons of healthcare travelers find jobs in locations they’ve always wanted to travel to! It’s important to know the essential safety elements that come with being a traveling healthcare professional. We want you to have fun and be safe, and if you ever feel unsafe at your facility while on assignment, contact the local authorities or your recruiter right away. If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, reach out to RTG Medical today!

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Mental health tips for traveling healthcare professional

Although we celebrate Nurses Week this month, May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is all about raising awareness on the importance of mental health and breaking the stigma behind it. A recent report has found that nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, that is about 52.9 million. 

This astounding number includes our healthcare workers. Due to the high demand for these workers, they can develop anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of healthcare workers struggling with mental health issues increased drastically. During this period, 86 percent of healthcare workers reported experiencing anxiety, and 76 percent reported exhaustion and burnout. 

As one of the best traveling healthcare companies, RTG Medical wants to share some important tips on how to maintain your mental health while working as a traveling healthcare professional. 

Stay connected with friends and family members

One of the perks of being a traveling healthcare professional is having the opportunity to see the country on your own. However, sometimes there can be a  downside, spending periods away from your family and friends, which can lead to feelings of isolation. 

This is why it is important to stay connected with your friends and family while traveling. Carve out time from your busy schedule to connect with the important people in your life through Facetime, Skype and other forms of digital communication. 

Disconnecting from social media 

Although social media is a powerful tool for connecting with friends and family members, it can also lead to anxiety and stress. A report has found a strong link between social media use and depression, anxiety and loneliness. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed after scrolling through your timeline, consider taking  a break from social media or limit your social media consumption. You can limit your social media use by;

  • Turning off your phone during certain times of the day
  • Not bringing your phone to bed with you
  • Removing social media apps
  • Using apps that limit your social media use

Make exercising a part of your schedule

Exercise is a great way to help improve your mental health. Staying active can boost your mood, concentration and alertness. Being overly inactive or sedentary can lead to developing mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.

It is so important for healthcare professionals to make time for exercising. You can stay active by using the gym at your workplace facility, apartment or working out outdoors. Consider joining a fitness group if you are looking for a fun yet active way to make friends on your assignment as well. 

Work with one of the best traveling healthcare companies!

Be sure to connect with RTG Medical! We help health professionals, like CNAs, nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists, find travel job opportunities around the country. We have a unique approach in that we pair healthcare professionals with a single recruiter throughout their entire  journey. Contact us to learn more. 

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