Tag: traveling medical professional

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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Consider healthcare traveling for your career

As a healthcare professional, the beginning of the year can be a great time to set goals for what you want to accomplish in your career over the next 12 months. Having the ability to work in any hospital or facility around the country is one of the great things about working in healthcare. As a result of traveling, you can meet new people and see different places, all while increasing your income. You can even travel and work with your friends.

Because there are still shortages, travel rates are rising and job security is almost fully  guaranteed. There is almost no reason for a facility to turn down a new staff member. As your local medical staffing agency, we wanted to give you a few reasons why you should become a healthcare traveler this year.

There are still shortages

Hospitals and facilities have been experiencing healthcare professional shortages for years, and they became even more prevalent during the Covid-19 pandemic. This has resulted in many positions being available across the country. In order to fill the gaps, many employers are willing to pay more. There will be a high demand for traveling healthcare professionals this year, so you can travel the country while earning a good salary.

Travel rates are increasing

There is an increase in travel demand, which only means traveling expenses are going to increase. When you’re a healthcare traveler, your medical staffing agency will more than likely give you a travel stipend, helping with housing and other expenses. So you can travel and not have to worry about the increased expenses of airfare and gas. You can get paid to travel, work and check out cool places around the country.

Have job security

Many economists are predicting that we will see a recession in 2023. As a healthcare traveler, you can enjoy job security and resist inflation. Applying for jobs in hospitals and facilities around the country rather than just one state always gives you more options. The more skills and experience you have, the more sought-after you become as a candidate. With travelers getting paid more than regular staff, you can still save some money while keeping up with increasing prices.

Work with a medical staffing agency

If you’re looking to travel this year, 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. If you have any questions or concerns about becoming a traveling healthcare professional in 2023, contact us today.

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Reasons to become a healthcare traveler this year

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

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

Career growth

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

Great pay

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

Job opportunities

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

Low cost of living

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

Flexible schedule

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

Traveling

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

Find your dream job with RTG Medical

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

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Reasons healthcare travelers are sweeter than Christmas morning

Travel healthcare companies know that healthcare travelers provide tons of benefits within the places they work. We couldn’t compile a list of every reason there is to love them because that list would go on and on. So, instead, we’ve gathered some reasons we believe healthcare travelers are sweeter than Christmas morning!

They love people

Love is all you need! As a result of the wide variety of facilities that healthcare travelers work at and the abundance of places they visit, they have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on countless  lives. Traveling healthcare professionals provide comfort where it is needed most, and they leave a lasting impression on their patients and colleagues. Even if they move on to their next job in a new city, the facility and families they serve will remember them.

They’re reliable and trustworthy

It’s all about communication! Communication is crucial to the success of traveling healthcare professionals. From the beginning, they work with their recruiter to find a great placement. Along the way, they let their recruiter know how things are going. Communication skills make them reliable and trustworthy. You can count on them to relay necessary information and be a good employee.

Their positive attitude and open-mindedness

Positivity enhances any workplace. It takes an open-minded person to be open to traveling and going on tons of adventures. Sometimes healthcare travelers accept a contract in a place that isn’t necessarily their favorite, but they take it because the job position is exactly what they’ve been looking for. It takes a lot to be a healthcare professional, especially one who loves traveling and builds it into their career!

They can learn a new skill and grow

Healthcare travelers are constantly on the go, so they’re able to learn quickly. They’re adaptable and comfortable with change. If your facility needs someone who is flexible with hiring dates, a healthcare traveler is a great option! Every 13-week contract they have is a slightly different position, expanding their skills and knowledge in the field. Everything they learn in one place is within 13 weeks, and then they’re onto the next adventure.

Their experience

With every assignment that traveling healthcare professionals move on to, they bring something from the previous assignment. They visit tons of different facilities that all deliver patient care in different ways. They may be able to suggest a new way to do one thing or recommend new technology to improve your workplace. They provide high-quality care for patients, just like your permanent staff, and they have broad experience to share that will leave a lasting impression.

Work with travel healthcare companies
If you’re interested in working with travel healthcare companies, the time is now! There are several reasons to become a healthcare traveler. Also, there are tons of facilities that need to be staffed from time to time, when current employees are sick, on maternity leave or dealing with a personal emergency. If you want to help make a difference, consider partnering with us! Contact us today to begin your journey.

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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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