When working in a travel nursing job, a long weekend may be just what the doctor ordered.
With Labor Day fast approaching, there is no better time for travel nurses to embrace the cultures of their assigned cities, jet-set across the country, or simply soak up the last of the summer sun. Many travel nursing jobs require nurses to work multiple 12-hour shifts per week, meaning that the opportunity for a long weekend getaway is not just limited to holidays. Although today’s economy may be a deterrent against a well-deserved labor free weekend, there are some cost-saving secrets that all nurse travelers should know before abandoning plans for a small getaway (but shhh don’t tell too many people!)
When hotels’ supply outweighs demand, you save!
Think back to high school economics: when supply outweighs demand, companies are forced to lower their prices in order to keep up competition. Why should the hotel industry be any different? Many of the major vacation destinations in and outside of the United States are feeling the burden of today’s economic situation and are responding by offering lower rates to their customers. Popular cities like Las Vegas and New York, who are abundant with lodging options, are now offering rooms for a fraction of their normal cost, making these hot spots perfect for a long weekend getaway from your travel nursing job.
Bypass lodging fees by visiting other travel nurses.
There are many reasons why so many nurses elect to travel for their profession, one being that assignment locations are among, or not far from, some of the most exciting places in the country. While the allure of a new city rarely wears thin, why not experience the perks of a different location on your weekend off? Luckily for travel nurses, some of the most enticing vacation destinations are also assignment locations; so pick up the phone, log onto a blog, or shoot an email to a fellow travel nurse, or former coworker, and offer to swap cribs for the weekend.
Not a frequent flier? Well, act like one.
Frequent fliers and homebodies alike have recently seen a resurgence of rewards towards jet setters. Airlines like Jet-Blue are making it easier for customers to earn miles when purchasing with an airline-affiliated credit card, while others offer substantially discounted fares for booking flights online. Certain airlines, such as United, now advertise fewer penalties for last-minute reservations and cancellations. In fact, in many cases it is within a traveler’s best interest to make flight reservations later rather than sooner as airlines now offer last-minute deals on under-booked flights, and sometimes even upgrades as the economy has left those plush First and Business-Class seats open.
Culture is FREE, FREE, FREE!
A travel nurses’ busy schedule and work shifts rarely leave enough time to fully exploit all that a nearby city has to offer, and there is no better time than a long weekend to fill in some of those cultural gaps. Oftentimes local museums are free to the public (or require a small “suggested donation”), and allow visitors to explore the premises for as long as they wish. If the weather is nice, pick up a city map or a self-guided walking tour of your area from the Historical Society and explore the surroundings. For nighttime entertainment, a trip to the theater is always advisable, however most are not aware that popular productions occasionally open their dress rehearsals to the public for no charge; indeed, the best things can come for FREE!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I was reading your blog and I am researching about nurses, and would like to develop a database of nurses in Las Vegas, to do some marketing. Any suggestions. Thanks,
Frances,
I would suggest starting with the Nevada State Board of Nursing. They sometimes offer licensure data to reputable parties based on your intended use. Hope this helps, best of luck!
Steve