Tag: healthcare

5 Tips to Survive Allergy Season as a Healthcare Traveler

Springtime is here! And that means warmer weather, blooming flowers, and… seasonal allergies. Although allergies can’t be prevented entirely, preparation is crucial in preventing symptoms from ruining your travel assignment this spring. Here are five tips to help you survive allergy season as a traveling healthcare professional:

#1 Know your allergens.

Allergies and their symptoms vary from person to person, so identifying your allergens can help you enjoy spring anywhere. Seasonal allergies typically occur in the spring, summer, or fall and have several triggers. Common allergens include:

  • Trees (Birch, Oak, Cedar, Walnut, & Hickory)
  • Grasses (Timothy, Bermuda, & Kentucky Blue)
  • Weeds (Ragweed, Sagebrush, & Pigweed)
  • Dust mites
  • Mold spores
  • Pet dander

Allergies affect everyone differently, but here are the most common symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes
  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Scratchy throat
  • Rashes
  • Hives
  • Breathing problems/wheezing
  • Asthma attacks

#2 Know the pollen count in your assignment area.

Depending on your allergens, pollen count can affect the severity of your symptoms. Because pollen is the most common trigger of seasonal allergies, it is essential to understand the pollen levels where you’re traveling to. Research the local news stations in your assignment area before you arrive to prepare and pack your allergy essentials adequately.

#3 Prepare before you go.

If you know your allergies will flare up, you should start taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications a few days before you leave for your travel assignment. OTC decongestants and antihistamines can help reduce allergy symptoms, and saline nasal spray can aid in keeping nasal membranes moist in dry conditions. In addition to getting a head start on your allergy medications, you should ensure they are easily accessible while driving or flying to your assignment.

#4 Limit outdoor activity.

Avoiding pollen altogether is unlikely, but steering clear of the outdoors during peak pollen hours (5:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) can reduce allergy symptoms. If you can’t avoid being outside, wearing hats or other head coverings and glasses/sunglasses can help keep pollen out of your hair and eyes. Be sure to shower and rinse away pollen that attached itself to your clothes, body, and hair throughout the day.

#5 Focus on your well-being.

Allergy symptoms can be severe, so focus on your well-being and take a break if you’re not feeling well. If your allergy symptoms don’t improve, you should visit your medical provider to help you get back to feeling your best.

Allergy season doesn’t have to prevent you from picking up a springtime travel assignment; these tips can help you make the most of it! Being proactive with your allergies and their symptoms can make a big difference. Find your spring travel assignment with 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. Check out the job opportunities at RTG Medical or 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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Foodie Guide: Your Travel Assignment in Austin, TX

Tex-Mex and barbecue may be the traditional culinary draws in Austin, but the food scene is constantly evolving and expanding. Alongside classic dishes, you can now find a variety of cuisines and flavors from all over the world. We’ve rounded up the top bucket list restaurants in the city. Get ready to have your taste buds dancing with delight!

Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue is an authentic Texas experience. The restaurant has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named the best barbecue joint in America by Bon Appétit magazine in 2015. With their famous ribs and brisket, alongside their mouth-watering sides like potato salad, slaw, and beans, you won’t be leaving hungry. The wait can be long, but it’s part of the experience. People start lining up outside the restaurant hours before it opens, so be prepared to wait. If you’re in a hurry, don’t worry! Franklin’s Barbeque offers pre-orders for whole briskets and other meats. You won’t want to miss out on this iconic spot on your travel assignment!

Veracruz All Natural

If you’re in the mood for some amazing tacos while working your travel assignment in Austin, look no further than Veracruz All Natural. This family-owned business started as a food truck in Austin and has grown to several locations around Austin, so you’re never too far away from delicious tacos. Their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients has earned them a loyal following. In addition to their legendary breakfast tacos, their menu offers various vegetarian and gluten-free options. Veracruz is a must-visit spot for taco lovers.

Elizabeth Street Café

If you’re in the mood for a light meal, look no further than Elizabeth Street Café. The café’s unique blend of French and Vietnamese flavors will satisfy any craving. Elizabeth Street Café is a great spot for a casual lunch or a weekend brunch with friends. The menu offers a range of delicious options, but their fresh salads and spring rolls are a must-try. If you’re after a sweet treat, their French pastries and macarons are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Elizabeth Street Café is the perfect place for something light!

Uchi

Uchi has received numerous awards for its innovative and high-quality cuisine. It has been named one of the best sushi restaurants in the country by various publications. The restaurant offers a wide selection of sushi and sashimi, including traditional and more creative contemporary dishes. Some of their most popular menu items include the “Machi Cure” (smoked yellowtail), “Walu Walu” (oak-grilled escolar), and “Madai” (Japanese sea bream). The restaurant has an elegant and modern atmosphere, with a large bar area and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. It is an excellent spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner while working your travel assignment in Austin.

Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden

If you’re looking for a fun and casual dining experience with great food and drinks while working your travel assignment, Banger’s Sausage & Beer Garden is worth checking out. Banger’s is known for its wide selection of house-made sausages and craft beers. They offer over 30 different types of sausages, ranging from classic bratwurst to unique flavors like rabbit and rattlesnake. In addition to sausages and beer, Banger’s has a full menu of other dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant has a large outdoor seating area in its beer garden, which is excellent for enjoying events and live music. Enjoy great food, beer, and entertainment at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden.

LeRoy & Lewis

This local favorite started as a food truck and has since expanded to a brick-and-mortar location. In true Texas fashion, LeRoy & Lewis is known for its creative barbeque dishes, which often incorporate unexpected flavors and ingredients. Their menu features a variety of meats, sides, and desserts, including brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, mac and cheese, and banana pudding. If you’re in the mood for classic Texas barbeque, LeRoy & Lewis is the place to be.

Austin’s culinary scene has something to offer no matter what your taste buds crave. From classic Texas barbecue and beers to innovative Asian cuisine, you will find something delicious in Austin.

Get a taste of Austin, TX, on your next travel assignment with RTG Medical. With RTG Medical as your traveling partner, you can have it all— a fulfilling travel assignment and an unforgettable experience in one of the most exciting cities in the country. Contact us today or visit our job board to plan your travel assignment in Austin.

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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! 

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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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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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7 top-paying specializations for healthcare travelers

If you’re a healthcare professional who loves travel and adventure, you should know about these jobs within the profession that pay well! RTG Medical is one of the best healthcare staffing agencies in Omaha, NE, and we offer a variety of locations, great compensation, benefits and one recruiter to personally help you find your dream job!

Below are some benefits of traveling healthcare jobs, followed by some of the top-paying specializations.

Benefits of high-paying traveling healthcare jobs

There are several benefits to becoming a healthcare traveler, high pay included. You can explore new cities and places and have an abundance of job opportunities. Before we get into the highest-paying specializations, we wanted to provide you with some of the benefits of being a traveling healthcare career!

The ability to choose when and where you work

Healthcare staffing agencies in Omaha, NE, typically have a list of places you can work, but will also ask where you want to go. Your recruiter will work with you to find the right position in the perfect destination. You can also choose how long you take off time in between contracts. 

A variety of career experiences

With every job you have, you’ll gain new skills and experiences. Visiting different hospitals and facilities gives you a lot of experience doing similar tasks. By applying these insights, you will be able to consistently improve your performance.

Earning a generous income

Healthcare professionals who travel are well compensated. Annual salaries for some exceed $130,000! In addition, many medical staffing agencies provide a stipend to cover housing and other expenses.

Job security

Whether you work at a healthcare facility or hospital, your skills make you a desirable employee. As a nurse, you are in a good position to fill any gaps in the nursing workforce.

Less burnout

Burnout can still happen, but it’s less likely when you’re switching up where you work after every 13 or 26-week contract. Experience new people and places, all while doing something you love!

Top-paying specializations this year

There are many different high-paying jobs for traveling healthcare professionals, but we wanted to give you the top seven. These jobs are in demand right now in 2023.

1. Telemetry

Telemetry nurses provide care for patients at risk of cardiac failure. They monitor vital signs and cardiac functioning. They have higher rates because you need a high level of education and skill, and their patients have fragile conditions that can change at any moment.

2. Cardiac ICU

Patients who have critical heart issues and conditions get care from Cardiac ICU nurses. They monitor their cardiac status, administer medications and provide any emergency care. Their patients can take a turn for the worse at any moment, which is why they’re paid so highly.

3. Obstetrics Gynecology

These nurses help care for expecting mothers. They assist with prenatal care, educate them, assist with delivering babies and monitor the mother and baby after birth. Their skills are a valuable part of the healthcare delivery team and they are compensated likewise.

4. Cardiac Catheterization Lab

These lab techs care for patients undergoing or who have had cardiac procedures. They monitor before, during and after. They help diagnose and treat those with mild to severe cardiac conditions.

5.  Pediatric ER

These nurses help children who arrive at the emergency room with an injury. They monitor vitals, administer medications, start IVs and perform wound care. These nurses need a skill set that includes babies, children and adults, and they never know what injury will come through the ER doors.

6. Step-Down

Sometimes patients are stable enough to not be in the ICU, so they’re placed in step-down where these nurses give them frequent assessments and close monitoring. They have to be able to identify progress, notice changes and calculate and administer medications for various conditions.

7. Neonatal ICU (NICU)

These nurses provide care for newborns experiencing illnesses or complications. Their job description includes diapering, feeding, inserting and maintaining IVs, administering medications, providing 24-hour care, assisting with any procedures and educating the parent or family. They care for the most vulnerable patients, which contributes to their high pay.

Work with healthcare staffing agencies in Omaha, NE

No matter what specification you’re considering, RTG Medical can help place you where you want to be. We help nurses, radiologists, therapists, pharmacists, lab techs, cardiologists, LPNs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, CNAs and more. Contact us today to begin your adventure!

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History of healthcare travelers

Over the last century, what started as an assignment of healthcare workers to facilities in need has become a career of choice for many healthcare professionals. During the American Frontier, thousands of Americans received healthcare from healthcare workers traveling across the country. Healthcare workers are in greater demand than ever before.

Many healthcare workers have chosen to join a medical staffing agency and travel and work at different facilities and hospitals on a 13 or 26-week contract. There are several reasons to be drawn to this profession, including higher pay and travel opportunities. Below is a synopsis of the history of healthcare travelers.

1850: American Frontier

Nurses and other healthcare professionals traveled throughout the Wild West to assist wounded and injured frontier families before healthcare travelers were even established. To ensure the health and wellness of these families and other patients, they would visit hundreds of different towns.

1860: American Civil War

During the American Civil War, healthcare professionals were assigned to different forts to help soldiers and their families recover from injuries sustained during the war. Clara Barton was known to visit several locations and treat soldiers on both sides. This gave people the idea that nurses and other healthcare workers could travel and work in different places.

Early 1900s: WWI

Technological advancements during WW1, such as mobile X-rays, required healthcare workers to travel to use the device. Towards the end of the war, the first veterans hospital was founded, and healthcare professionals were recruited from all over the country to help. The Veterans Administration (VA) was then established, and still to this day the VA uses healthcare travelers from different areas to give healthcare to American soldiers.

Late 1900s: Programs for healthcare travelers

The University of Utah saw the need to educate healthcare travelers. They created a program for them to build their skills and experience. This program allowed temporary workers to step in while those healthcare professionals continued their education. In 1979, the first medical staffing agency was founded, and the demand for healthcare workers across the country only increased.

Early 2000s: Affordable Care Act

In 2010, The Affordable Care Act was passed. This extended healthcare coverage for millions of Americans. The more people with health insurance, the more we see a need for traveling healthcare professionals. Fortunately, healthcare traveling grew and in 2020 we saw more than 14,000 new healthcare travelers.

Join our medical staffing agency

Healthcare traveling has evolved throughout the years, and the industry is still evolving because of technological advances and the number of nurses and other healthcare professionals interested in a traveling career. By the time 2025 rolls around, healthcare is expected to make up 20% of the U.S. workforce. If you’re interested in joining the growing profession of healthcare travelers, reach out to us today to see how you can get started!

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Benefits of booking your winter contract early

January is one of the busiest months for healthcare travelers. Think of all the people who had a contract end in December, or those who took time off for the holidays and now need to find another assignment. Even if you’re planning to take time off, you can set up your future contract to be prepared and have less stress down the road.

There are several benefits to booking your winter contract with your traveling medical staffing companies early. If you know you’re wanting to take time off for Christmas, or if you want plenty of time to plan for the New Year, it’s easier to do when your assignment is all booked up and ready to go. Discover why you should book your winter contract today!

Higher winter pay rate

Many facilities are already offering winter rates. If you wait until the end of December or January to start finding your next assignment, you will not see these higher rates as there will be more candidates to choose from and the facilities won’t be as motivated to pay employees more. You can also avoid going multiple weeks without a paycheck by having your next contract set up, and you might even see your winter rates reflected in the spring.

Avoid early January start rate

Most healthcare travelers start their contracts on Jan. 1 to streamline their contracts throughout the year. If you want to start on a Monday, consider the Monday before Christmas Day and the Monday before New Year’s Eve. This is because there will likely be no orientation on those days. Impacted start dates will be a week or two after January begins, around the 7th or 14th. 

Better chance of getting holidays off

First come, first serve. There is a better chance of getting the holidays off if you accept a position and have already discussed time off with the facility. Maybe you want to work during the holidays, but if you know you’ll want time off spend with family and friends, the earlier you tackle it, the better.

Time to get any needed licenses or certifications done

Is there a new position you want to start in the future? There might be new licenses and certifications you don’t already have that you’ll need. Make sure you know where you’ll be working when and which ones you’ll need so you can finish them in time.

Choose RTG Medical as your traveling medical staffing companies

Partnering up with one of the best traveling medical staffing companies is a great way to ensure you find an assignment you want in a place you want to travel to. We partner you with one recruiter who can assist in getting your winter contract booked. Sit back and relax with your family and friends during the holidays by having your first contract of the next year set up beforehand! Contact us today with any questions.

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Why work a holiday travel assignment

Some traveling healthcare professionals may opt to take some time off and stay home for the holidays, but others may see this as an opportunity to grow financially and fill in the gaps that are created when permanent med staff take time off. One exciting benefit about being a healthcare traveler is you get to choose whether you work during the holidays or not.

You may find that your contract will overlap with Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s, and you can agree to work that or not. There may also be the option to work a contract, but have a bit of time off for the holidays similar to the permanent med staff. You will have to discuss that with your recruiter and the facility during the interviewing process.

As one of your travel healthcare companies, RTG Medical wanted to give you some advice on helping you choose which is best for you!

Benefits of working a holiday travel assignment

There are often added benefits to working holiday assignments, including more assignment options, increased holiday pay and an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Due to the extended holiday season, regular facility staff take more time off, leaving an opening. During the holidays, hospitals are also busier due to a higher incidence of injuries.

Holiday pay often includes overtime and travel bonuses. Having a clear understanding of how much more you would make, and confirming it’s what’s right for you, requires extensive research and discussion with your recruiter. It is always possible to work during the holidays and celebrate at a later date. The holidays are a good time to be close to your family if your permanent home is away from them. Traveling somewhere warmer during these colder months is also an option if you live somewhere cold.

How to enjoy the holidays while working

There are many ways to feel at home while working during the holidays. Choose a travel family. This can either be your coworkers, new friends you meet during your assignment or your fellow travelers. No matter whom you choose, you can celebrate holiday traditions with these new people. Celebrating before or after the holidays is also an option. You can have Thanksgiving dinner a few weeks before with your family at home, or you could open presents with your family on a day other than Christmas.

Getting festive is another way to keep your spirits up. Decorating the facility boosts your and your patients’ moods. Adopting a grateful mindset will help you continue to enjoy the holidays, even in a different way.

Your travel healthcare companies care 

Working as a healthcare professional is never easy, especially during the holidays. It can be increasingly hard where there are talent shortages staffing medical professionals at travel healthcare companies. You might find that there is still a good adventure to be had being on assignment during the holidays. Contact us to further discuss your options!

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