Night Shift: Tips for First Time Travelers

Working the night shift presents unique challenges to your daily routine, even when you’re not traveling. On average, night shifts for healthcare travelers are between 8 to 12 hours long. Taking a night shift assignment as a first-time traveler can be intimidating unless you take steps to thrive during those long night shifts.

Stick to a Schedule

To make sure your first night shift as a medical traveler goes as comfortably as possible, you must prepare yourself for mental, emotional, and physical change. Night shift preparation begins long before the day of your assignment. It is vital to plan ahead, so your mind and body can adjust to your new schedule. In the weeks leading up to your travel assignment, gradually change your sleeping patterns to reset your circadian rhythm.

Maintaining a sleep schedule during daylight can be difficult, so you may want to invest in a few items to ensure restful sleep. Since exposure to sunlight tells your brain that you should be awake, blackout curtains or a sleeping mask can make it easier to sleep during the day. It may also be helpful to try using white noise apps to help block out any noise that might wake you.

The bottom line is that sleep is even more important when you work nights. Your success working the night shift depends on sticking to a sleep schedule. Inconsistent sleep patterns can lead to a weak immune system, poor memory, and a lack of concentration.

Maintain a Consistent Meal Schedule

It can be disorienting to change your sleeping and eating habits, and like sleep, your body has a rhythm for hunger. However, good nutrition is non-negotiable when working nights. Preparing healthy, balanced meals and snacks helps maintain your energy levels and support your overall health.

A well-balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These superfoods will help you stay energized during your night shift assignment. Try to avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks at the facility. While these high-sugar, processed foods may give you a quick burst of energy, they will eventually lead to a crash.

Prioritize Self Care

It is important for medical travelers (especially night shift workers) to prioritize self-care when tackling a new schedule, particularly when it comes to your mental health. As you fall into your new routines, be sure to add “you time” to your schedule and enjoy your days off. When your night shift travel assignment starts, be sure to focus on self-care.

Everyone loves caffeine, but moderation is key. Water increases focus and enhances energy without a caffeine crash. In addition, water is essential for optimal brain function and overall health. The amount of water you should drink varies based on several factors, like diet and exercise. But the general guideline for adults is between 9 and 13 cups of water per day.

It’s inevitable that you’ll have a fair amount of downtime while working the night shift but resist the temptation to sit down floor too long. It might take some creativity, but there are many ways to exercise during your night shift travel assignment. Walking around the unit, taking advantage of stairways, or doing some light cleaning are all great ways to stay active and help fight fatigue.

Don’t be afraid of night shift travel assignments. While it may seem overwhelming, planning and preparation can help you transition smoothly into your ever-changing schedule.

Ready to work your first night shift travel assignment? Check out our job board or fill out our contact form. Your adventure with RTG Medical awaits!

March 16, 2023 0

Preparing for Tax Season as a Healthcare Traveler

As tax season approaches, traveling healthcare professionals must be prepared. Here’s what you need to know about your taxes for the upcoming year.

WHAT IS YOUR TAX HOME?

Many travelers confuse their tax home with their permanent home. While that is the case for most people, traveling healthcare professionals fall into a special category of people earning money outside their tax home. To qualify for non-taxable wages, travel nurses must have proof of their tax home. It is important to note that the IRS may reassess tax home if you spend too much time in another location. A general rule is to only stay at one travel assignment for up to 12 months to maintain your tax home.

TAX ADVANTAGES

There are considerable tax advantages to be aware of as a traveler, primarily stipends and reimbursements. These reimbursements are business-related expenses your employer pays you back to cover travel expenses like hotels, transportation, and other necessary fees. Additionally, stipends are delivered to you periodically to cover the costs of similar expenses, like lodging and meals, while on an assignment. For healthcare travelers, these stipends are tax-free and do not have to be reported as taxable income.

BEWARE OF AUDITS

While there is a very low chance, the expense-to-income ratio for healthcare travelers makes them more likely to be audited by the IRS than the average person. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of these documents as proof that you are maintaining and permanent home:

Mortgage or rent payments
Gas, electric, and internet bills
Receipts for transportation to assignments (rental cars, flights, etc.)
Mileage logs for traveling to and from assignments
Copies of all your assignment contracts

To avoid an audit, find a certified tax professional for advice when filing your taxes. In addition, several apps and websites can help you organize expenses and records, like Google Drive, Expensify, and Turbo Tax.

FILING YOUR 2023 TAXES

Tackling your taxes can be intimidating for both seasoned and new healthcare travelers. But with the proper preparation and the help of a tax professional, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Use this helpful checklist to give you a good start on your 2023 taxes:

Gather all W-2 and 1099 forms from your employer(s).
Keep track of all receipts for travel-related expenses, like lodging, meals, and transportation. Remember, these may be tax-deductible.
Keep documentation for continuing education courses, professional development training, and renewed licenses or certifications.
Keep records of any state taxes paid throughout the year.
Review tax forms or instructions from your tax preparer or the IRS.
File your taxes by the deadline, April 18, to avoid late fees or penalties.
Check the status of your refund and contact the proper authorities if an error is found.

Don’t be discouraged by tax season. It only comes once a year! Preparing yourself with good expense-tracking habits and document organization can make your taxes easier to manage. Remember to partner with a trusted CPA who understands healthcare travelers’ challenges!

March 7, 2023 0

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!

March 1, 2023 0

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!

February 15, 2023 0

Reasons to become a healthcare traveler this year

It’s the new year, so what better time to try a switch-up in your career? If you’re a healthcare worker and you’ve considered traveling, or if you have a love for adventure, this is your year to get out of your comfort zone and into new cities.

RTG Medical is one of the best medical staffing agencies in the area, and our recruiters are great at pairing our traveling healthcare professionals with a job and location they love. Here are some of the best reasons for you to become a healthcare traveler this year!

Career growth

Becoming a healthcare traveler gives you an increased opportunity to grow in your career. You will never have the same job twice, and because of that you’ll develop an abundance of unique skills and experiences that you can take with you to your next assignment. You won’t get bored working as a traveling healthcare professional!

Great pay

Healthcare travelers reap the amazing salary and benefits that come along with the job. You can get paid quite a bit per hour depending on where you work, and many medical staffing agencies offer perks such as housing stipends and covering some other expenditures. Healthcare workers are always in high demand, and facilities are willing to pay top dollar for experienced employees.

Job opportunities

If you’ve run out of opportunities in your hometown or where you’re currently living, consider becoming a healthcare traveler and working in several different cities. You can specialize in one specific area and work in various hospitals and clinics in the country. The opportunities are endless!

Low cost of living

The cost of living is relatively low for healthcare travelers. You are more than likely to receive a housing stipend from your medical staffing agencies to help pay for housing. You can avoid certain bills by constantly being on-the-go. You can also consider van life!

Flexible schedule

Something many people want in their career is a flexible schedule. You will receive flexible hours and can choose how much you want to work, or don’t want to work, each week and in-between contracts. It’s also easier to take time off because you can plan around your 13-week long assignments and submit requests beforehand.

Traveling

Traveling is the main perk of becoming a healthcare traveler! You can explore new places and, as you, do develop new interests, meet new people and make new friends. You can opt to stick to tourist destinations or talk to the locals and find little niches in each place you visit. Becoming a healthcare traveler is a great way to see the country, learn about other cultures and experience the unknown.

Find your dream job with RTG Medical

You can continue to work the job you love and make a difference in people’s lives when you become a healthcare traveler this year. If you’re looking for the perfect job, RTG medical can help you secure it! Contact us today to get started.

January 4, 2023 0

Why a great relationship with your recruiter matters

As a traveling healthcare professional, it’s critical to have a great relationship with your recruiter. Traditional recruiters find candidates for a permanent position, whereas recruiters for the best healthcare travel companies work together with their healthcare professionals on an ongoing basis. Contracts are typically 13 weeks, and what helps your recruiter find the right assignment each time is getting to know you.

RTG Medical knows how important relationships between our traveling healthcare professionals and recruiters are. A good relationship allows you to get the most out of your career and overall leads to your success. There are several characteristics that create a strong relationship with your recruiter. Let’s walk through them and discover the benefits of a solid relationship.

Key characteristics of a good traveler-recruiter relationship

The key to any strong relationship is communication. This is the same for traveler-recruiter relationships. Having open communication while you’re trying to get the position will ensure your recruiter knows you’re engaged throughout the process. After you accept the contract, let your recruiter know how it’s going and provide them with any updates. Continual communication helps build a successful partnership. It’s also important to establish preferred communication methods with your recruiter.

Transparency, trust, and honesty are a few other characteristics necessary to have a good traveler-recruiter relationship. Transparency and trust go hand in hand. If anything good or bad happens while on assignment, let your recruiter know. The more your recruiter knows, the better they can assist you from contract to contract.

How to build a strong relationship with your recruiter

When you become a traveling healthcare professional with one of the best healthcare travel companies, you’ll need to ask questions and set expectations with your recruiter. When you sit and speak to a recruiter for the first time, be sure to let them know exactly what you’re looking for in a job. Think about what specialty and location you want to work in. When you’re shown contract options, ask about pay, insurance, benefits, how many days of orientation, time off policy, and perks. This all helps you find the perfect contract to fit your needs best.

Being prepared and staying organized will also help you and your recruiter stay on the same page. Your recruiter works to make sure the process is streamlined and that everything goes smoothly for you. As you hop from one assignment to the next, you will develop more skills and life experiences. Your part is to make sure your skills, licenses, records, and any other documents are up to date.

Benefits of a solid relationship with your recruiter

Benefits of a good relationship with your recruiter include knowing someone always has your back, being supported in your job search, and having someone to help you understand and negotiate contracts. If you’re stressed about an upcoming assignment or run into any issues, you can count on your recruiter to alleviate some of the stress and to be there for you from the beginning of the contract to the end.

Recruiters in the traveling healthcare industry will help you schedule interviews, choose the right placement, and guide you through the rest of the process. If you’re looking to find several successful assignments and create a lasting partnership, a traveling healthcare staffing agency like RTG Medical can ensure a good experience!

Get connected with a recruiter at the best healthcare travel companies!

There are many reasons to become a healthcare traveler with RTG Medical. We employ healthcare professionals to travel across the country in a variety of different healthcare settings. We want to be your traveling partner. If you’re ready to become a traveling healthcare professional, contact us today!

July 20, 2022 0

How celebrate nurses week

Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear scrubs and carry stethoscopes, those heroes are nurses. These healthcare professionals do a lot for the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a shortage of nurses, beds and medical supplies.

Our community honors nurses every year during Nurses Week. This week takes place from May 6th through May 12th. As a healthcare travel agency, we want to share some history about this week and ways to celebrate the nurses in your community.

The history of Nurses Week

Nurses Week is a week-long celebration that honors nursing professionals. It starts on May 6th and ends on May 12th, which is Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Florence was a nurse that helped improve the unsanitary conditions of British hospitals and reduced the death count by two-thirds.

May 6th is National Nurses Day. However, it was not until 1974 that President Nixon proclaimed a National Nurses Week to be celebrated every year in May.

How to celebrate nurses week

Thank a nurse

One meaningful way to celebrate Nurses Week is by thanking a nurse in your life. If you have a relative or friend who is a nurse, share your appreciation. You can thank them by sending a card, sweets, snacks, caffeine or some compression socks.

Provide a discount for nurses

If you are a business owner, consider showing appreciation to nurses by providing a discount or incentive. This is a great way to show nurses in your community how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Post on social media

Whether you are an organization or individual, share a post about nurses week on your favorite social media platform. Posting on social media can help inform people about the importance a nurse plays.

Are you looking for a healthcare travel agency?

If you are looking to become a traveling nurse, contact RTG Medical. We can help you start your travel adventure across the country, while also doing what you love the most. One advantage of choosing us over other agencies is that you are paired with one recruiter. This makes the point of contact much easier. Contact us to get started.

May 5, 2022 0

How to become a traveling CNA

There is the misconception that only nurses can become traveling healthcare professionals. The truth is that most healthcare professionals can travel when they partner up with a healthcare travel agency, like RTG Medical. One of these professions is certified nursing assistant or CNA.

A certified nursing assistant helps patients with direct health care needs, sometimes under the supervision of a nurse. These professionals are currently in high demand across the country, which has increased the open positions for travel CNAs.

Do you want to learn how you can work for one of the best traveling CNA agencies? Our team has created this helpful guide on how you can become a traveling certified nurse assistant.

Why you should become a traveling CNA

Although being a stationary CNA has its benefits. Many individuals still decide to become traveling CNAs, so they can do what they love and see the world. Becoming a traveling CNA allows you to visit new cities and meet new people.

Another benefit of becoming a traveling CNA includes flexibility. So you get to choose the periods you get to work. You can take a break before starting your next assignment. Other benefits include career growth opportunities and high pay rates.

CNA requirement for travel

Before starting your career as a traveling CNA, you must meet a few CNA requirements. The first requirement is that you have your CNA education requirements and certifications. Every state requires different things, but essentially it is a state-approved training program.

After completing the course, you must complete the CNA certification, a written or oral exam that demonstrates where students show their ability to perform specific tasks. To get a job as a traveling CNA, you must have worked at least one year in that specialty and hold a CNA license.

How to choose one of the best traveling CNA agencies for you

The next step in becoming a travel CNA is choosing a healthcare travel agency. There are different traveling healthcare agencies around the country, but not all of them provide travel jobs for CNAs. That is why it is important to do research and find an agency that does.

When choosing a healthcare travel agency, make sure you look for an experienced and reputable one. It is also important to research which locations the agency offers and see if they provide the places you would like to work at. When looking for a traveling healthcare agency, one very important aspect to consider is the recruiter and traveler experience.

For example, at RTG Medical, we pair our travelers with a single recruiter throughout their traveling process. By pairing you with just one recruiter, we ensure a streamlined experience and efficient approach from profile submissions to placement. They will do everything from negotiating pay packages to conflict resolution. This helps avoid being passed from one department to the next.

Are you looking for one of the best traveling CNA agencies?

Choose RTG Medical! We work with most healthcare professionals like registered nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and even CNAs. Contact us to learn more about it.

April 29, 2022 0

Why you should become a traveling healthcare professional with RTG Medical

Are you looking for a job that lets you do what you love but also travel the country? Then working alongside one of the best healthcare travel agencies, like RTG Medical, is the best choice for you.

How does this work? Well, medical travel agencies employ healthcare professionals to fill temporary vacancies across the country in a variety of healthcare settings. Some of these settings include clinics, hospitals, long-term care, pharmacies and more.

To help you with your decision, our team wants to share some of the benefits of becoming a traveling healthcare professional and how RTG Medical can help you accomplish this goal.

The benefits of becoming a traveling healthcare professional

Industry-leading compensation and benefits

A benefit of working as a traveling healthcare professional is the compensation and benefits. Healthcare travelers are offered better pay than working a permanent job. This compensation provides traveling healthcare professionals financial stability to travel without worries.

Provides an industry mentor

If you are looking for guidance along with your traveling healthcare career, then RTG Medical is your agency. RTG will pair you with a recruiter who will become your personal career coach. A recruiter can guide you through the traveling job process by connecting you with opportunities that meet your needs, walking you through credentialing, and making sure your resume is error-free.

Provides flexibility

Another benefit of becoming a traveling healthcare professional is flexibility. Working through one of the best medical travel agencies, like RTG Medical, allows flexibility in your schedule. The typically traveling job assignment is 13 weeks, but they can vary in length depending on the time, location and position. So after an assignment, you have the option to take a break until you are ready for your next traveling assignment.

Get to explore the country

One of the main reasons people decide to work through a medical travel agency is to travel. Connecting you with assignments around the country enables healthcare professionals to experience different areas of the country and cities. It gives healthcare workers a change of scenery, but it also gives them a networking opportunity.

Why should you choose RTG as your traveling partner?

If any of the advantages listed above caught your attention, then it is time to contact one of the best medical traveling agencies. At RTG Medical, we become your traveling partner. We provide industry-leading competitive compensation packages customized to fit your needs.

An advantage of working with us from some other medical travel agencies is we provide a single point of contact. Connecting you with a single recruiter ensures a streamlined, efficient process from profile submission to placement. You can rest assured that you will not be passed from one department to another.

If you are ready to become a traveling healthcare professional with us, contact us to get started today.

March 23, 2022 0

Healthcare Traveler Marketplace by RTG Medical

Now on Facebook:

Healthcare Traveler Marketplace, a resource for traveling healthcare professionals.

Have a blue set of scrubs but need red?

Looking for portable cookware for traveling?

Selling your healthcare gear from a previous assignment?

The Healthcare Traveler Marketplace is your new best friend!

RTG Medical is excited to provide a marketplace, specifically for traveling healthcare professionals. It’s a place to buy, sell, trade, and exchange — all things traveling healthcare!

And don’t forget, the Healthcare Traveler Marketplace is also a safe space for discussion. Feel free to post tips, advice, and questions about traveling. Think of it as your virtual traveling healthcare professional community!