Top brands for healthcare travelers

From shoes to scrubs to stethoscopes, healthcare travelers need several tools to do their best work. It’s important to invest in a good brand so you’re ready to go for the long run. Below we highlight some of the top brands that have proven themselves time and time again!

Shoes

Two of our favorite shoe brands for healthcare travelers are Hoka and On-Running. The majority of your shift will be spent on your feet, so you should wear shoes that are comfortable. We also appreciate the waterproof elements since feet can get sweaty while walking up and down halls and around hospitals.

Shoes from Hoka are designed to provide support for those who are on their feet for long periods of time. During your shift, your feet will remain cool and comfortable thanks to their breathability. Their many colors and styles also make them trendy.

On-Running shoes have tons of support, making them super comfortable for all-day wear. For healthcare workers, we recommend the Cloudflow series because they’re cushioned. Furthermore, they’re consistently ranked among the best shoes for healthcare professionals.

Scrubs

There are so many scrubs to choose from, which can make it hard to choose the best, especially if you’re just beginning your career in healthcare. Ideally, you want something that is comfortable, fashionable and fits well. FIGS scrubs were voted the best scrubs for healthcare workers.

The material is quick-drying and breathable. There are tons of colors available, so you can pick the one that suits you best. They also have a gorgeous new hunter green color. It is common for scrubs to wear out over time, but these ones are known to last longer than others.

Bags

A tote bag will help you carry your essentials to work. You want a bag that has both internal and external compartments, and maybe even one that can fit two pairs of shoes. Healthcare workers often change into their scrubs and shoes at work and wear a different outfit to work.

We recommend the Pocket Rocket Pocket Tote Bag and CalPak’s Luka Duffel. The Pocket Rocket Pocket Tote Bag comes in a variety of designs and has six external pockets, as well as inside compartments. It is perfect for those who love organization. The Luke Duffel is good for carrying things to your job each day, but is also great for traveling. It is waterproof, has nine pockets and even a compartment specifically for shoes.

Water bottles

Investing in a good reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated throughout your shift and it’s better for the environment. The Stanley Cup can be filled with 40 oz of water, it stays cold for over 12 hours, it has a handle to carry, they’re dishwasher safe and they fit in your car cup holder. Because TikTok made them viral, they sell out fast, but keep checking for restocks and you’ll be able to get one.

Socks

Along with good shoes, you’ll want good socks. Compression socks are especially good for healthcare workers. While you’re ordering FIGS scrubs, you can add on some FIGS socks. There are a variety of patterns to match any personality, and the toes and heels are cushioned. Another great brand of socks is BOMBAS, they provide support and keep your feet warm in the colder months.

Stethoscopes

Your stethoscope is one of the most used pieces of equipment for your job. Littmann Stethoscopes are at the top of the list. The company has been in the game for six decades and their stethoscopes have amplification and filtering systems. No matter what your specifications are, they have a variety of models and colors to choose from.

Join other healthcare travelers working with RTG Medical!

Team up with RTG Medical to begin your traveling career. We connect healthcare professionals to job opportunities all across the country. We pair you with one recruiter who can help you find your dream traveling job and assist with any questions you have along the way. Contact us today to get started!

February 8, 2023 0

Ways healthcare travelers can avoid housing scams

As a healthcare traveler, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right housing, especially if it’s your first assignment. A perfect opportunity may finally present itself and you may want to take advantage of it immediately. However, there are several housing scams to be aware of. Using a trustworthy website to find housing, verifying with your recruiter and doing some research of your own will ensure you’re not getting scammed.

Every traveler wants to find affordable and safe housing. As one of the best medical staffing travel agencies, RTG Medical wants our traveling healthcare professionals to know what types of housing scams exist so that if you ever run into any, you’re able to avoid getting scammed. Below are common housing scams, red flags to look out for and how to avoid them when looking for a place to live.

Common housing scams

A good landlord is running a business and will ensure there are good photos to highlight their properties, as well as sufficient information about the property and location. A rental shown in the best light is a good sign that it’s legitimate. When you notice an ad that is short in detail along with blurry photos of the property, it’s probably fake and best to move on to the next. Always take the time to report the ad for your fellow healthcare travelers. Below are the two most common housing scams:

Fake ads

Fake ads often have little information and few photos. If it was a real landlord behind the ad, they would put the work in to make sure the ad contained plenty of info and images to intrigue you. On the other hand, you might notice really nice images that catch your eye, but they will likely follow with information that seems too good to be true. Rental prices should also be consistent with other houses in the area, so if you see tons of amenities for a bargain of a price, it’s most likely a scam.

Identity theft ads

The next type of scam is identity theft. This is when the thief has stolen the identity of the landlord and is posing as them to sell the property and potentially receive money. This type is less obvious than the other, but you should be able to sense that something is off with the “landlord.” If they are unable to show you the place for an odd reason or seem overly urgent for you to choose this place, they could be trying to scam you.

Red flags to look for

When searching for housing, be sure to notice these red flags:

A dramatic storyline as to why the landlord cannot meet you

If they are on vacation, stuck overseas or cannot meet because they are sick, avoid interacting with them any further. Report the ad. Real landlords have a streamlined process making it easy for both parties involved.

Landlord being unable to meet in person

You should always be able to meet the landlord. Even if the housing is in a different state than the landlord, he should have someone in that location to meet with you. If the landlord is always coming up with an excuse to cancel, it’s probably a scammer.

Unusual communication hours

If you see that you’re getting replies to your emails or phone calls at unexpected times like 3 a.m., the person is probably located in a different time zone or overseas and is trying to scam you.

Poorly written emails with European spelling

This is another tell tale sign of scamming. If you have a hard time trying to decipher the email, or if you notice grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, that’s a huge red flag. A real landlord will be sure they come across as professional.

The landlord wants you to wire funds

There are a plethora of ways to make rent payments besides wiring funds. When you wire funds, you are unable to get your money back. Beware of scams through Venmo, as well, and deter the conversation and avoid this scammer.

The use of high-pressure sales tactics

If you’re hearing a lot of, “tons of other people are interested in this property” and “you need to apply as quickly as possible,” it’s likely you’re dealing with a scammer. Reputable landlords go through an application and verification process to get you all set up to move in. If you feel rushed, trust your gut instinct and move on to a different option.

How to avoid housing scams

One way to avoid scams is to use a reputable site. Websites like Travel Nurse Housing and Furnished Finder are two good ones to go through. Furnished Finder requires the landlord to verify their identity before they can post listings.

You can use Google Maps to make sure this house exists where it says it does. You can also run the images on the listing through a Google search to verify that there is no other real listing and that you’re looking at a scam. Scammers are good at their jobs, but you can take these precautions to help ensure you don’t get scammed and that they get caught.

Ensure success with the best medical staffing travel agencies

Being aware of these scams and following these tips is a good way to find real housing. Take your time when looking for housing and be sure to use a reputable site. If you have to, do some sleuthing of your own. As one of the best medical staffing travel agencies, RTG Medical is here to help. Contact us or your recruiter with any questions or concerns.

September 28, 2022 0

RTG Medical Celebrates 20+ Years with New Logo Release

RTG Medical Launches a New Logo to Reflect the Company’s Culture Focused on Building Relationships with Healthcare Travelers and Clients.

Our vision for the future is to become the most trusted and innovative partner in healthcare staffing solutions by enhancing the experience for our travelers and clients.

“At RTG Medical, we have a history of embracing change in all facets of the healthcare staffing industry. We will continue to embrace change with our new logo design as we move forward. However, a new logo is only as good as the people behind it, and at RTG Medical, our greatest asset is and always will be our people.”
-Charlie Janssen President and CEO of RTG Medical

The new logo is an evolution of the company’s previous logo, with a look and feel that embodies RTG Medical’s dedication and commitment to improving the lives of those we work with. RTG Medical is a national leader in healthcare staffing and a five-time Inc. 5000 recipient for Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in America. RTG Medical prides itself on building an in-house culture based on family, integrity, and community that was recognized and awarded three times as a Baird Holm LLP “Best Places to Work in Omaha.” After recently being named to the 2021 Largest Healthcare Staffing Firms in the United States by SIA, RTG Medical looks to expand their team over the next 3-5 years as they move to their new headquarters in 2022. The timing of our new logo aligns with the significant growth that is taking place across the organization.

RTG Medical new HQ location coming Spring 2022.

The new 54,000 sq. ft. headquarters is located off highway 275 in Fremont, NE providing easy access for commuters from Omaha and surrounding communities. The new logo represents RTG Medical’s growth over the past 20 years and reflects the company’s dedication to improving the experience for our travelers and clients. “RTG desires to be an organization with a professional yet friendly feel. While our name remains the same, RTG prides itself on the integrity and values we form our relationships on. Therefore, we wanted a logo that warmly introduces us to a conversation about what we can do for you. As we launch a newly designed logo, we want RTG travelers and clients not to forget who we are. We are still the same honest, transparent company we were prior,” said Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder Jeremy Guenthner.

About RTG Medical:

Established in 2001, RTG Medical is a veteran-owned healthcare staffing agency that connects, facilitates, and manages the placement of traveling healthcare professionals to healthcare facilities of all sizes across the country. Headquartered in Fremont, Nebraska, RTG works hard to provide simplified solutions that positively impact both patient care and the country’s ongoing healthcare shortage. For more information, visit www.rtgmedical.com.

February 1, 2022 0

RTG Medical Is Gifting Free Nike Shoes To New Travelers

It’s the shoe shaking the nation. It’s the nurse’s clog… Reinvented.

Meet the Nike Air Zoom Pulse — a shoe-in success for any shift at the hospital.

The lace-free, water-resistant alternative is making waves throughout the healthcare industry — and for good reason. Some say the lightweight and practical sneaker feels like a “snug hug,” even after miles on the job.

Nike says the shoe was created for healthcare professionals who tirelessly work to care for others.

Our mission at RTG Medical? Care for those “everyday heroes.”

Starting December 19, 2019, RTG Medical is gifting a new (and free) pair of the Nike Air Zoom Pulse to traveling healthcare professionals who sign a new or extend an existing contract, and start before February 29, 2020. Click for details.

If you’re ready to kick off the new year with a new adventure and new shoes, call us now at (866) 784-2329 or click here for more!

December 18, 2019 0

New Year, New States: A Look at the New eNLC Changes

It’s a new year full of new opportunities. We are determined to become your friend on the road and make 2018 the Year of the Traveler.

January is starting us on the right foot with the enactment of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). We’re excited about the impact this will have for you and the travel industry.

You’re probably aware of the changes coming to the Nurse Licensure Compact this month. Five new states are set to join the new eNLC while three states, Colorado, New Mexico and Rhode Island (for the time being) will remain in the original Nurse Licensure Compact.

See Which States Are Affected Here

Though we’re still learning how this will impact you and the travel industry, we want to be a resource for you. If you have questions about the changes to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, let us know and we’ll get you connected with a recruiter who can help. Below are some resources that may help.

Uniform Requirements for Multistate License

National Council of Boards of Nursing eNLC FAQ

What Travelers Need to Know about the eNLC

This New Year, we want to help you get to your ideal destination. Tell us which state you’re most excited about joining the eNLC or tell us where you want to travel in 2018! Where can RTG Medical take you?

January 16, 2018 0