Protect Your Data While Traveling

Although it may seem like a hassle, data security is essential for travelers of all kinds. Protecting your information is crucial whether you’re carrying a phone, tablet, or laptop, and prioritizing data protection while on the go can help you avoid a technological headache.

Update and Prepare Your Devices

Ensuring your devices are prepared for travel is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your data. You can install software updates before leaving, and consider setting your devices up to auto-update to avoid manual updates in the future. These updates often contain critical security patches that can safeguard your devices from potential threats.

You can adjust your settings to disable auto-connecting to Wi-Fi and turn off location services to reduce the risk of being tracked or attacked by hackers. You can still use these features, but it’s best to be intentional instead of allowing your phone to decide automatically. Set up login security measures such as passcodes or facial recognition to prevent unauthorized access to your phone.

Enable the Find My Device feature on all your devices, which will let you locate them if lost or delete everything if they get stolen. Lastly, back up all your essential data before leaving home, which could save you from a headache if you lose your phone or it gets stolen.

Use a VPN

What is a VPN?

A VPN provides private and secure internet access by encrypting your online data to protect usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, browser cookies, and other identifying information.

How does a VPN work?

In simple terms, a VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. This connection protects your internet data as it passes through the VPN, which acts as a go-between for you and any website you visit. Your actual IP address is hidden, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Why should you use a VPN while traveling?

Please ensure you use a VPN for a secure and private online experience. Here’s why it’s essential:

  • A VPN adds an extra layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and prone to hacking.
  • Your internet traffic is encrypted, making it difficult for hackers to access your data.
  • Bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked content like Netflix or social media platforms.
  • Protect your privacy by concealing your IP address and location from websites that track your online activity.

Using a VPN is an easy and efficient way to increase your online security and privacy when on the go.

Regularly Update Passwords

It is crucial to update passwords regularly to ensure the security of your accounts. Changing your passwords frequently can help prevent unauthorized access to your personal information. It’s recommended to use a strong, unique password for each account and avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or common words. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of security to your accounts.

Turn off Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth is a fantastic tool for hands-free communication in the car or connecting devices at home. However, forgetting to disable Bluetooth when venturing to public places is easy, especially when traveling. Leaving your Bluetooth open can be risky, as anyone within range can potentially tap into your device without your knowledge. To prevent this, take a moment to turn off Bluetooth while traveling and enjoy peace of mind.

Data security is essential for travelers, and several ways to protect your information exist. Preparing your devices with software updates, using a VPN, disabling auto-connecting to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, turning off location services, enabling login security measures, and backing up data can help.

Are you ready to travel to your next assignment? Contact RTG Medical! Our recruiters will work with you to understand your unique skills and career goals and match you with job opportunities that align with your interests. Please reach out to us today to take the first step in finding your dream healthcare job.

Traveler Contracts: What are Guaranteed Hours?

Most healthcare traveler contracts include a “guaranteed hours” clause, and it’s often misunderstood. But what does “guaranteed hours” mean?

Some travelers believe they’ll be paid for the hours outlined in their contract regardless of whether they work them. Others assume it’s a form of financial support from the agency while they’re away from home base. Additionally, some view it as insurance to protect their salary if the census drops or they’re not scheduled as frequently as promised. However, the meaning of “guaranteed hours” can differ depending on how it’s covered in the contract, causing uncertainty for many.

Protects the Traveler and the Agency

To ensure both the medical facility and the agency are protected, healthcare staffing agencies use contracts that include guaranteed hours. This is a mutually beneficial agreement since revenue must be generated from both parties to cover the costs involved. The traveler’s hours worked at the medical facility directly impact the agency’s ability to cover the expenses.

In a traveler’s contract with an agency, the guaranteed hours policy benefits both parties. This clause ensures that the traveler will continue to receive payment even if a facility becomes overstaffed. Hospitals face a constant balancing act in staffing to maintain the patient-to-staff ratio amidst an ever-changing census, sick employee calls, vacations, and other variables.

So Who Guarantees Your Hours?

When a traveler signs a contract, the contracted agency is responsible for guaranteeing and paying the traveler’s hours. However, the facility the traveler is assigned to often agrees to a minimum number of hours that they’ll give them. This guarantee from the facility to the agency ensures it can meet its financial obligations while fulfilling its agreement with the traveler. Remember that a contracted agency is responsible for ensuring they fulfill their side of the agreement with the traveler.

Read and Understand Your Contract

The guaranteed hours policy can vary from hospital to hospital and sometimes even within different regions. To avoid surprises while on assignment, reading and comprehending the contract (including the fine print) is essential. While some facilities may guarantee all promised hours, others may allow up to three shifts to be canceled within a 13-week period without coverage of pay. However, some contracts provide more flexibility, enabling one shift cancellation per week while still meeting guaranteed hours obligations.

It’s important to note that contracts can change at different times of the year, and floating to other units within a traveler’s scope of practice may be necessary to fulfill the guarantee. In a major metropolitan area, travelers may need to float between multiple hospitals to meet their guaranteed hours. Keep in mind that requesting specific days off may result in not receiving guaranteed hours if it doesn’t fit within the hospital’s schedule.

While guaranteed hours may seem straightforward, the execution can sometimes be more complex. Be sure to read and understand your contract fully to avoid any misunderstandings.

Understanding guaranteed hours within your contract can be complicated. Luckily, you can trust RTG Medical’s expert recruiters. Contact our team today to get started on your next travel assignment.

2023 Nurses Week Deals & Discounts (That Are Actually Worth it)

National Nurses Week 2023 is finally here! We want to take this opportunity to celebrate our wonderful traveling nurses. Your unwavering commitment to your profession and your positive influence on healthcare is truly remarkable. As your traveling partner, we are proud to work alongside you.

We want to ensure our nurses feel appreciated during Nurses Week. To show our gratitude, we have compiled a list of freebies and discounts that we believe are truly worthwhile. We hope you take advantage of these offerings as a special reminder of your value.

Food & Dining

Chipotle

Get a FREE burrito when you sign up with your email.

Cinnabon

Get a FREE Cinnabon cinnamon roll with a nurse ID.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Get a FREE medium hot or iced coffee.

Hello Fresh

Get 55% off + free shipping on your first box and 15% future boxes.

Home Chef

Get 50% off your first box and 10% off future boxes (through ID.me).

Texas de Brazil

Receive 15% off dine-in lunch and dinner for you and up to four people in your party with a valid medical ID.

Thrive Market

Get a FREE membership to Thrive Market through ID.me.

Retail

Backcountry

Save 20% on outdoor gear through ID.me.

Carharrt

Get 15% off on apparel & accessories through ID.me.

HeyDude!

Receive 20% off in-store and online through ID.me.

Lululemon

Get 15% off in-store and online with a valid medical ID.

Stanley

Save 20% on your next water or coffee tumbler through ID.me.

YETI

Save 20% on coolers, tumblers, and more through ID.me.

Travel

Budget

Get 25% off through ID.me.

Caesars Hotels

Save up to 30% through ID.me.

Great Wolf Lodge

Save 25% on your next stay with promo code: HEROES (offer expires 12/31/23).

Paris Las Vegas

Save 30% on the lowest luxury room rate through ID.me.

Wyndham

Get a complimentary GOLD membership upgrade.

Tech

iRobot

Get 15% off select robots through ID.me.

select.

Ring

Stay safe with a 20% savings on select Ring Doorbell products.

Therabody

Get 20% off Theragun or Theraone CBD through ID.me.

Philips

Get 25% off through ID.me.

Beauty

Beekman

Save 20% through ID.me.

e.l.f

Enjoy 25% off.

Joy Organics

Save 50% through ID.me

Tula

Get 20% off through ID.me.

Save All Year!

Adidas

Enjoy 30% off at adidas.com and in-store or 20% off at outlet stores.

ASICS

Get 40% off full-priced products through SheerID.

Brooklyn Bedding

Get 25% off + free shipping through ID.me.

Costco

Sign up for a new membership and receive a $30 gift card.

Nike

Save 10% all year through SheerID.

Reebok

Save 50% on all purchases through ID.me.

Samsung

30% off phones, tablets, smartwatches, and more.

Under Armour

Save 20% when you verify through ID.me.

Verizon

Unlimited plans available for nurses starting at $20/line per month with 4 lines.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Must-Have Apps for Healthcare Travelers

As a travel nurse, you’re always on the go. Along with the great rewards, like being an avid traveler, your career can come with some challenges. If you’re looking for the best ways to simplify your life, save money, and have fun while on your next travel assignment, check out these apps to make the most of it:

Airbnb

Airbnb is a great app for healthcare travelers to find a place to stay on their next assignment or weekend getaway. Airbnb offers one-of-a-kind rooms, apartments, homes, and more to rent. In addition, Airbnb offers several unique stays like castles, treehouses, and tiny houses that you can rent for your next assignment!

BringFido

Are you traveling with your furry friend? Dogs are family, and leaving them behind can be challenging during a travel assignment. Luckily, BringFido is an app that helps healthcare travelers find the best pet-friendly hotels, attractions, and restaurants. BringFido can also help you find local dog parks and pet stores while on your travel assignment.

PackPoint

Packing for a travel assignment is very different from packing for a vacation. PackPoint ensures that you’ll never overpack or forget items you need. It can help healthcare travelers create a list of clothing, gadgets, accessories, and other things they’ll need on their assignment. One of the best features is that PackPoint can help you organize your list based on gender, the length of your assignment, the expected weather, activities, and more!

Things

Who doesn’t need a to-do list? As a traveling healthcare professional, you consistently have a busy schedule and always run around on the job. The Things app is excellent for creating to-do and checklists to keep you on task.

Gas Buddy

Gas Buddy may be one of the best apps for medical travelers to have on their phones. Traveling means lots of miles on the road and frequent gas station stops. Gas Buddy is a location-based app that is updated in real-time that allows you to find the lowest fuel prices by state, city, zip code, or even brand. Healthcare travelers can also pay using the Gas Buddy Card to save even more!

Upside

Earn cash back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and restaurants! You can save up to $0.25/gallon on gas! Upside is free to use; all you have to do is download the app and save! All cash back earned can be cashed out in PayPal or redeemed as a gift card. You can earn even more by referring your friends!

Waze

Commuting can be a pain, especially as a healthcare traveler in a new city with a new traffic pattern. Waze is a navigation app that uses real-time data to distinguish travel time and other reports. This is a fantastic app for healthcare travelers because of its heavy traffic reporting and other in-app features.

Moovit

Moovit is a must-have for healthcare travelers who rely on public transportation during assignments. It combines several public transport options in the area, like buses, trains, subways, bikes, scooters, and more, into one app! The app also allows you to order Uber and Lyft if public transportation isn’t working with your schedule and lets you pay through the Moovit app.

Yelp

Yelp is the solution to all your unanswered questions while on your travel assignment, like “where should we eat?” or “where is the best place to shop?”. Yelp provides recommendations for local businesses with genuine reviews from real users. Yelp even allows you to make reservations or book an appointment, which is great for healthcare travelers that are always on the move!

AllTrails

If you’re a traveling healthcare professional that enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or just exploring in your free time, you need to download AllTrails. This app provides over 300,000 hand-curated trail maps with reviews and photos from users nationwide! AllTrails gives you a break from your travel assignment and lets you find your next outdoor adventure.

With these must-have apps, you won’t need to stress about your upcoming travel assignment. From planning your trip, saving along the way, navigating a new city, and finding fun things to do, download these apps to make your next travel assignment a breeze! Not sure where you want to travel for your next assignment? RTG Medical has helped tons of healthcare travelers find jobs in locations they’ve always wanted to travel to! Start your next adventure today and contact RTG Medical.

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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