Tag: traveling medical professional

Perks of Part-Time Traveling

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

Can travelers work part-time?

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

How does part-time traveling work?

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

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

What are the benefits?

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

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

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

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

Start working as a part-time traveler with RTG Medical

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

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Top Travel Healthcare Myths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4 “There is no stability.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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5 Skills Every Traveling Medical Professional Should Have

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

#1 Adaptability

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Clinical Expertise

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

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

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

#3 Communication

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

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

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

#4 Time Management

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

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

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

#5 Emotional Intelligence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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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Top brands for healthcare travelers

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

Shoes

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

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

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

Scrubs

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

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

Bags

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

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

Water bottles

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

Socks

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

Stethoscopes

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

Join other healthcare travelers working with RTG Medical!

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

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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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Things to consider when packing for your assignment

As you prepare for your next adventure, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need. It is common for healthcare travelers to pack at the last minute, so you will want to cover some basic essentials regardless of when you decide to pack. Start by making sure your home away from home will have what you need. Check the weather and assess your clothing needs, think about your work and life essentials and be sure to pack any necessary documents.

RTG Medical has helped tons of healthcare professionals find traveling healthcare jobs across the country. If you ever run into any questions when packing, especially if this is your first time, don’t hesitate to reach out. We hope this short list helps get you started!

Your temporary home

Many medical staffing agencies give you housing options or a housing stipend. Your new home should have everything you need, no matter where you live. Healthcare travelers may be able to find fully furnished housing options. Ideally, you’ll want every basic amenity that you use at home. A refrigerator, microwave, TV and stove are usually provided in a rental, but it’s good to double-check before moving in.

Clothing

The average contract lasts 13 weeks, which is a little over three months. If you’re traveling to a specific location, you’ll want to pack clothing appropriate for that region. For example, if you’re traveling to a state that has one of the National Parks, you’ll want clothing you can hike and explore in. Think about the season and check the weather ahead of time. Always prepare for temperature fluctuations.

Essentials

Does your hospital or facility provide scrubs or do you need to bring your own? Recruiters can assist you in finding this information. You may also need to bring your own mask and stethoscope. Bring shoes you know are comfortable to work in, and any helpful technology you may need. Other essential items may include pens, scissors, lab coats and a planner.

Other important things

You’ll want to make sure you have all of the important work documents that you need and any certifications or licenses you have. Since you’re going to be away from home for quite a bit, it’s necessary to have your mportant paperwork on hand; you might need things like your health insurance cards, your banking information, driver’s license and social security card. If you’re traveling with a pet, be sure to have their medical records too. 

Find your dream traveling healthcare jobs with RTG Medical

Nailing down what you need for your temporary home, whether it be clothing, work essentials or any important documents, before you head out for your traveling healthcare jobs will ensure you’re ready to go. The more contracts you complete, the more comfortable you’ll be each time you pack for your next assignment. If you’re ready to become a healthcare traveler, contact us today to get paired with a recruiter and discuss your options!

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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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