Researching travel websites is a great way for travel nurses to plan for an assignment or vacation.

As you roam about the country as a travel nurse, you may wish to do a little vacationing—or at the very least exploring—on your off time. Here are 10 great travel websites for travel nurses looking to plan a weekend getaway or simply prepare for your next travel nursing assignment.

1. Frommers.com – You may have heard of Frommer’s if you’ve ever skimmed the travel section of your favorite bookstore. Even though the books are more comprehensive than the website, the site has the advantage of offering the most up-to-date travel information. Frommers.com is also very interactive, inviting viewers to post photos of their various travel destinations and to discuss travel topics in forums. There’s even a blog maintained here by Arthur Frommer himself where he comments almost daily on the worldwide travel scene.

2. Fodors.com – If you’ve seen Frommer’s travel advice books, then you’ve most likely paged through Fodor’s travel advice books as well. Fodor’s goes online with a comprehensive website that points out top destinations in the U.S. and abroad. If you’re a travel nurse researching within the U.S., the site lets you search state by state for the best sightseeing, entertainment, dining and daytrip options. Fodor’s is unique in that it breaks down smaller, more off-the-map cities and points out little-known gems.

3. LonelyPlanet.com – This site is similar to Frommer’s in that it has a community of viewers that have lively discussions on travel in forums. You can use the site to search for specific destination cities or regions and find out what sights to see, where you can go for entertainment, where to shop and what restaurants are recommended. What sets this site apart are the thorough overviews of the cities that give travel nurses an idea of what kind of vibe to expect there.

4. TheBackpacker.net – Even though this site is tailored for backpackers, it is still useful for conventional travelers, especially the young and adventurous. Some of its excellent features include a great overview of local nightlife with reviews of bars and clubs wherever you happen to be, which may be helpful when moving to a new city as a travel nurse.

5. TripAdviser.com – This site is generally used to find cheap flight and hotel deals, but another useful feature is their restaurant section that lists the best dining options for travelers. The ratings are based on positive reviews by visitors to the site, and you can pick from varying price ranges and types of food.

6. Concierge.com – This site is not necessarily for the budget conscious nurse traveler, but is a great resource to find the best places to stay, dine, and visit in both the U.S. and abroad. The only disadvantage to those who wish to travel within the United States is that not every state is represented. However, the states that are included on the travel destination map will present to you some of the most posh and unique destination options available in that state.

7. WAYN.com – This is a popular social networking site directed at travelers, and is a great resource for connecting with like-minded people who can share their travel experiences with you. The acronym stands for Where Are You Now, named for its feature that allows you to see where fellow travelers are at any time. You do have to register to be a part of this online community, although registration is free.

8. Away.com – This site is unique because of the travel guides it provides. For instance, if you’re a travel nurse looking for possible destinations in the U.S., there is an active guide, a beach guide, a family guide, a LGBT guide, a parks guide and even a romance guide! The site will show you travel destinations based on what region of the U.S. you are in.

9. BedandBreakfast.com – This site is great for travel nurses looking for a weekend retreat in a city nearby. It’s also great if you’re not exactly keen on hotels and like the idea of staying in a place with a little more character. From country manors to modern, architecturally-cool spots in the big city with Wi-Fi, this site has it all.

10. PerceptiveTravel.com – This is actually an online magazine written by award-winning travel writers. One of the most useful features on this site is the Perceptive Travel Blog. For travel within the U.S., you can simply skim the blog categories for “US Travel” and take a peek at what’s written within.

This guest post is contributed by Jennifer Johnson, who writes on the topics of Nurse Practitioner School.  She welcomes your comments to her email: j.johnson19june@gmail.com.

There are many options for new grads to consider when applying to nursing school.

As of the end 2009, estimates speculated that the population of the United States has reached close to 308 million residents – 2.9 million of whom are nurses.  Nursing is one of the most popular career fields in the country, applauded for its versatility in the job market, personal satisfaction, and financial rewards.  New grad nurses find that their degrees open the doors to many branches of healthcare, while allowing them to earn a significant salary for making a difference in people’s lives.  In today’s struggling economy, lucrative professions offering immediate, yet temporary, job security seem more attractive than skilled professions requiring additional schooling.  However, as many of the country’s existing nurses are approaching retirement and the population continues to grow, demand for nurses has never been greater; the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that upwards of 587,000 new nursing positions will be available by 2016. Whether graduating high school or considering a professional change, here are some tips for applying to and choosing the nursing school that is best for you.

Don’t believe in limitations

When researching nursing school, it is easy to feel restricted by experience and qualifications.  Some nursing schools only offer graduate programs to those who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while others accept applicants with high school diplomas (or the equivalent) for undergraduate degrees in nursing.  Try not to feel limited to a specific career path within nursing based on the programs offered at a certain institution – there are always other options to consider.

Read rankings critically
Academic rankings can be vital resources for choosing the school that matches your program, prestige, and financial needs.  Popular sources for comparative information such as U.S. News and World Report rank graduate schools, and even include a special section for the top 250 nursing schools in the country.  Keep in mind that graduate school rankings are determined based on expert opinion and ‘statistical indicators’ that measure the quality of the school’s faculty, research, and students.  The U.S. News and World Report website is deliberate in stating that their rankings should be used only as supplementary tools in the decision-making process.  Be sure to also consider whether some of the top rated schools offer a program that interests you, with a comprehensive curriculum, opportunities for clinical experience, and instruction by accomplished faculty.

Distance learning does not sacrifice quality
Depending on the program of interest and previous academic experiences, distant learning may be the best option.  Nursing school, especially programs at the graduate level, may be the second or third round of higher education and, as such, focus less on the classroom dynamic or campus sense of community and more on the course material itself.  Online nursing programs are offered through some full-time accredited universities or web-based institutions, never sacrificing quality or resources.  Such programs save students money on supplemental academic expenses such as housing, textbooks, and meal plans, while allowing him or her to schedule classes around a job or other commitments.

Know your deadlines
The most important part of the application process is knowing when each part of the application is due, and making sure it has been received well beforehand.  Nursing schools in particular often have a variety of deadlines depending on the rigor of the specific school, the type of program, and the identity of the applicant.  Prestigious schools tend to have early deadlines despite which programs they offer, while graduate programs in general have deadlines in late January and early February; undergraduate nursing program deadlines coincide with regular undergraduate deadlines, and international student applications are accepted as late as July for some programs.  Regardless of the general trends, inquire about your target program’s deadlines at least a year and a half before the expected start of school.

There’s always more to learn
With new medical developments, government regulations, and healthcare fields emerging daily, a nurse’s education is never finished.  Experienced nurses may be required to complete a certain amount of continuing education through their employer or an outside source.  A bevy of continuing education classes in all healthcare fields can be found on the web-based directory (http://www.nurseceu.com/), and may even be appealing to nurses who wish to expand their knowledge outside of their chosen fields.   For those wanting extra degrees in an area of interest, a masters or doctorate can put nurses on completely different professional levels by creating more, and diverse, job opportunities or expanding authority and responsibilities of previous positions.  Independent of personal goals, there is always more for nurses to learn.

Exploring the local nightlife scene is a great way to enjoy your travel nursing assignment.

After the physical and mental exhaustion of grueling week in the hospital, a night on the town is an appealing thought for a travel nurse.  But as a new resident  to the area, how do you go about finding the best restaurants, trendiest bars or most popular entertainment venues when you have only just recently mastered public transportation and household errands?  Travel nurses are faced with stressful situations on the job everyday, finding a place to socialize and meet new people should not be one of them.  Here are some tips and links to help you navigate your new city’s nightlife:

Listen to the radio
Regardless of music taste, stations are likely to promote establishments that play the same genres of music and appeal to similar listeners.
Tip: When seeking a neighborhood hang-out, keep in mind that radio-advertised events may be popular to tourists or one-time listeners; for a true representation of an unfamiliar nightspot, try going on a weeknight.

Talk to coworkers
Leaving home for a travel nursing assignment is an adventurous decision, so don’t hesitate to be equally as daring when inquiring about the weekend plans, favorite restaurants, or nearby hotspots of other nurses on your shift.
Tip: Be sure to select someone whose opinion you value: either as a friend or an experienced bar hopper.

Take a walk
Explore your neighborhood in the daylight when you can best navigate and when bustling nighttime businesses may be able to answer questions about their busiest times, clientele, and surrounding neighborhood.
Tip: Ask the bartender where he or she likes to spend free time when not working.

Read the newspaper
For those travel RNs who are not attracted to the bar scene, or are simply looking for alternative entertainment, one-time events are often advertised in local publications. Readers can gain information about activities such as street festivals, poetry readings, sample sales, cooking classes, and live performances.
Tip: Most publications will advertise weekend events in their Thursday or Friday editions.

Be touristy
While sightseeing is more of a day activity, utilizing the resources that are available to tourists is a great way to find evening attractions.  Hotel concierges, city centers, and chambers of commerce strive to promote the attractive aspects of their cities and thrive in helping people utilize their time in a new place.
Tip: In case of bad weather or busy schedules, visit your city’s chamber of commerce online or http://www.concierge.com for similar information.

Search the internet
The internet can be your best resource if you specific with your search and take writers’ target audiences and biases into account before accepting their opinions.
Tip: Here are some informative sites to make your search easier:

Esquire’s “Best Bars in America; the Complete List”
http://www.esquire.com/bestbars/complete-list/

DailyCandy- restaurant openings, sample sales, & events
http://www.DailyCandy.com

Live Music, Concerts, and Festivals
http://www.going.com

OpenTable’s “2009 Annual Winners – Best American Cuisine” & “The Nightlife; Clubs, Lounges, and Late-Night Dining”
http://www.opentable.com

The Night Life Scene
http://www.nightclubs.com

Yelp- reviews of top shopping, nightlife, and entertainment
http://www.yelp.com

Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter allow travel nurses to connect to family and friends while on assignment.

When you embark on a travel nursing job, being on assignment away from home is a great way to vacation and work at the same time, but unlike a normal vacation, free time is hard to come by. With the excitement of a new city, the unfamiliarity of a new work environment, interesting people to meet, and famous attractions to see, keeping in touch with friends and family can be a recurring entry on your laundry list of chores – right above ‘do laundry’.

In lieu of sending cryptic emails (“Hi mom, Taking good care of myself. Enjoying my new job. Will call soon.” “Hi dad, Doing fine. Talk to mom for details), photo prints by snail mail, or DVDs of trip highlights for every member of the family, travel nurses have alternatives. Social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and LiveJournal allow their users to correspond with friends and family through text, photos, videos, and voice recordings from their own homes or mobile devices while on the go.

In recent years, the popularity of such sites has skyrocketed, forcing them to add new applications and features in order to stay popular. According to Rubicon Consulting, sixty-five percent of web users agreed that they are very satisfied with the social media site(s) that they belong to, yet the same percentage strongly agreed with the statement ‘I ignore invitations to a new site.’ Some of these “ignored” sites actually have beneficial features for a busy travel nurse; keep these advantages in mind before rejecting the next invitation to one of the following sites:

Facebook
With over 250 million users and a 700 % increase in total minutes spent on the site from April 2008 to April 2009, Facebook is the world’s fastest growing social media site. Many companies, such as Onward Healthcare, have Travel Nursing Facebook sites to stay connected with their travel nurses.

Facebook Features:
• ‘Tag’ photos of new friends, exciting places, and view family members’ and friends’ comments.
• ‘Friend lists’ to filter which friends have access to certain photos, wall posts, and personal information.
• ‘Message threads’ allow you to send a single message or update to a group of people. Their responses and later messages will be sent to the whole group to keep everyone informed.

Twitter
Twitter continues to grow in popularity among both consumers and corporations. According to Nielsen Online’s recent study, Unique visitors to Twitter increased 1,382 percent year-over-year, from 475,000 unique visitors in February 2008 to 7 million in February 2009. Twitter has become the prime median for companies to connect with their consumers, regarding news, discounts and job opportunities. Travel companies such as Onward Healthcare pump travel nursing Twitter streams to their followers on a daily basis.

Twitter features:
• ‘Tweet’ with friends and family with quick updates about your daily activities and exciting events.
• ‘Follow’ your medical staffing company and receive updates about job opportunities, new recruiters, and informative articles.

Flickr
Flickr sets the standard for photo sharing, storing, and editing online. Sixty-nine million viewers visit the site per month for its free and unique features. Flickr is a great means to visually share your experiences with friends and family while on a travel nursing assignment.

Flickr features:
• ‘Edit’ photos with many of the capabilities of professional software.
• ‘Share’ photos with friends and family. Be sure to set privacy settings so strangers cannot view or take your candid snapshots.
• ‘Map’ out your travels. Flickr places photos on a colorful map of your new city.
• ‘Stamp’ your next letter home with a custom postage stamp created to feature a photo from your assignment.

You Tube
Despite the site’s 10 minute run-time limitation, its easy-to-use “upload” feature allows YouTube top choice for video sharing web-users. Travel RNs can catch-up on news and talk shows or upload videos of their new city.

YouTube features:
• ‘Favorite’ which videos you like by placing them on your most viewed, spotlight, or rising video lists.
• ‘Protect’ videos that you upload to share with family and friends by applying privacy settings, or…
• ‘Show off’ the life of a travel nurse to other YouTube visitors.
• ‘Watch’ testimonials from your favorite medical staffing company recruiters and post responses.

Live Journal
Today’s modern version of allowing your family and friends to read your diary has become a popular social media option for travelers, students, and professionals who wish to stay in touch with people at home. LiveJournal is community oriented, requiring new users to be invited by current members.

LiveJournal features:
• ‘Take ownership’ of your page by formatting and decorating it to suit its purpose and your personality.
• ‘Transfer photos’ from Flickr and display them in a rotating slideshow in the margin.
• ‘Record’ your voice updates from a cell phone and upload them while on the go.

Keep in mind that regardless of the advertised security of any given site, it is always advisable to personalize your privacy settings to maximum protection.
Travel nurses can conveniently find healthcare staffing companies on Facebook and Twitter, communicate with representatives, post photos of their assignments, and receive information about the healthcare field and available positions. Be sure to visit Onward Healthcare on these sites, as well as explore Flickr, YouTube, and LiveJournal as means for self expression and personal communication.

Below are some of the top stories from October pertaining to travel nurses and RNs from across the web.

The Truth About Stress and Cancer: Can You Worry Yourself Sick?
by: Melanie Howard
Self / October 2009

At age 36, Vanessa Michele had a strenuous course load, a new baby, and a struggling marriage, but never expected that something else could make life more complicated: until she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  The disease is a common concern for women at any age, despite family history, general health, and as Self magazine investigates, lifestyle.

As part of their October tribute to Breast Cancer awareness month, the article addresses two prevalent concerns of today’s fast-paced and high-stress world.  Howard effectively incorporates evidence from renowned oncologists to dispel misconceptions that stress causes cancer.  She reveals that there is no clear connection between high levels of stress and the development of cancer in healthy patients.  However, elevated stress is associated with higher protein levels in the body, which may increase blood supply to existing tumors.  As Vanessa Michele learned, a calmer lifestyle can make all the difference when trying to stay happy and healthy.

Stop worrying and read: Click here

Nine Tips to Improving Your Marketability as a Travel Nurse
by: Barry W. Padgett and Donna E. Padgett
Healthcare Traveler  / October 2009

What do flexibility, versatility, and diligence have in common?  They are just a few of the ways Barry and Donna Padgett suggest for travel nurses to increase their marketability in the workplace.  The pair present nine quick tips that nurses can use to ensure that they are at the top of the job applicant pool later.

Although the initial effects of the economic recession focused mainly on the stock market and financial fields, travel nurses have recently begun to see how the “trickle down effect” means fewer families coming in for checkups, diminished returns on hospital investments, and greater competition for travel nursing jobs.  Even for the currently employed, networking is the best tool: connect with other nurses, stay in constant contact with your recruiter, and do not be afraid to try multiple agencies.  Despite the length to which the Padgetts discuss inevitable challenges in today’s job market, there is a light at the end of the tunnel – nurses should have sunglasses and resumes in hand when they step into it.

Read all nine: Click here

Top 3 Nursing Careers:  Highest Paying Nursing Careers
by:  Andrea Santiago
About.com: Health Careers

With upwards of 2.5 million nurses in the field, and record numbers joining each year, this article highlights the importance of distinguishing oneself with schooling, experience, and, of course, salary.  Indeed, the three share an interconnected relationship; the most highly regarded nursing jobs often require more advanced schooling and professional experience in comparison to their lower-paying counterparts.

Although specific salaries are difficult to quote and often depend on the region and the individual, About.com cites Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) as the most highly paid members of the nursing profession, making annual figures close to $100,000.  Following close behind are Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).  While the benefits to each profession are numerous, they each entail certain prerequisites including additional graduate school, physician affiliation, and supplementary certification.

Learn more to earn more: Click here

A trip to a local fair or festival is a great way to meet new people while on a travel nursing job.

As the summer quickly becomes nothing but a fond memory, many travel nurses find themselves taking on extra shifts or hiding away in their provided housing, however such actions inevitably lead to cabin fever in the winter months. Don’t let the crisp fall air keep you stuck inside. The autumn months boast a queue of some of the most festive fairs across the United States that allow busy travel nurses to mingle with the local citizens and experience the true essence of their assigned areas. So, store away those summer memories for safekeeping and embrace the rides, music, and cuisine of one of fall’s favorite pastimes.

Renaissance Faires
Since the Middle Ages, likeminded people have gathered together on the eve of many an autumn night to bask in the company of good friends, devour elaborate concoctions, and lend an ear to the lively music of the time. Despite the passage of time, Simon and Garfukel’s “Scarborough Fair” is hardly the only connection to the Renaissance. History buffs, artisans, and great musicians alike gather every year, in venues near your assigned hospital, to celebrate the age olde English merchant tradition. Dress to the nines in Renaissance garb or marvel at the costumes and scenery from afar, but either way, leave your cell phone at home and fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Renaissance Faire.

For a detailed list of Renaissance Faires across the country, visit, http://www.renaissancemagazine.com/fairelist.html.

State Fairs
The fall also marks some of the most elaborate state fairs across the United States, which brings to mind ferris wheels, funnel cakes, and livestock competitions. Such festivals present the perfect opportunity for travel nurses to extend their experiences beyond the hospital, by sharing some local charm with coworkers. The required attire ranges, but be sure that you are comfortable enough to hop on the newest ride, pet the animals and chow down on the local flavor. However, consider yourself warned: the state fair waits for no one, so bring a slicker and some galoshes just in case the weather is dreary.

Find your state’s fair at http://www.festivals-and-shows.com/state-fairs.html.

Street Festivals
Finally if the farm feeling of the state fair is not appealing to your city-dweller personality, take it to the streets and explore the homemade crafts, refreshing treats, fresh produce, and one of a kind products that only metropolitan street fairs can offer. Many of the nation’s major cities will block off traffic to their main roads, slowing down the usual independent bustle of everyday life in favor of community support. Seeing as though such festivals may be right outside your doorway, these are the perfect events to meet new acquaintances on a travel nursing job, who may live right around the corner from you.

Street fairs are often listed on flyers throughout your neighborhood, or in the local newspaper so keep your eyes open.

Below are some of the top stories from September pertaining to travel nurses and RNs from across the web.

FDA Approves Vaccines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
by: Pat El-Hinnawy and Peper Long
U.S. Food and Drug Administration  / September 15, 2009

The FDA released official confirmation of the approval of four H1N1 vaccines last week.  The vaccines have been prepared by CSL Limited, MedImmune LLP, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and sanofi Pasteur Inc using similar techniques to those employed for the seasonal influenza vaccination.  Each of the four companies used the same procedure to develop the vaccination that is expected to be available to the public in mid-October.  Researchers are still working to determine the optimal dose for children, but as always, anyone with severe allergies to the shot’s contents (especially chicken eggs) should refrain from receiving the vaccine.

Learn how the vaccine works at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm182399.htm

10 Things You Should Be Doing to Boost Your Immunity
by: Stacey Colino
Real Simple

Now, mother always told us to limit fatty foods, eat plenty of protein, and exercise regularly, but she may have neglected to mention that there are ‘good fats’ found in avocados and peanut butter, and that excessive exercise can be detrimental to the immune system.  In this article, Stacey Colino reveals that some surprising factors contribute to immunity as well.  Staying healthy, especially as a travel nurse, can be a significant challenge, so take the first steps to constantly feeling great and performing well. Here are a few clues: belt it out, pet a furry friend, and eat the rainbow.

Get your full boost at: http://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/boost-immunity-00000000006359/index.html

New York Health Care Workers Resist Flu Vaccine Rule
by: Donald G. McNeil, Jr. and Karen Zraick
The New York Times / September 20, 2009

Jana Newton, a housekeeper at Brooklyn’s Maimonides Medical Center is one among many who are expressing resistance to New York State’s newest policy making influenza vaccinations mandatory for all health care workers.  Although New York is the first state to implement such a requirement, it may not be the last. The article by Donald G. McNeil, Jr. and Karen Zraick states that only 42 percent of our nation’s health care workers receive their annual flu vaccinations, even considering that immunologists advocate for a 90 percent in order to protect against any disease.  Federal health officials’ recent report of swine flu activity in 21 states suggests that New York’s move is just the first in a national concern for health.

Read the full story at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/nyregion/21vaccine.html?_r=1&ref=health

6 Ways to Fight Fatigue
by:  Meredith Janson
Shape

Meredith Janson confesses that hitting the snooze button multiple times is an all too common practice in the morning routines of busy people.  Unfortunately, those extra couple winks of shut-eye are hardly enough to ward off a constant feeling of fatigue.  Many think that fatigue is just a part of life; this article dispels that notion.  Shape magazine highlights six ways to tackle fatigue and help eliminate that extra cup of coffee or unplanned nap by disconnecting from technology, drama, and clutter.

Discover all 6 at: http://www.shape.com/health/family_health/everyday_solutions/6_
ways_to_fight_fatigue/p/page/1

How do you define the nursing profession?

Earning a nursing education online is a great way to advance your nursing career.

Ever since Florence Nightingale defined the nursing profession in 1859, it has been under construction. Nursing is constantly being refined and redefined, but the philosophy of the profession remains the same. Nursing is the profession that optimizes health and promotes well being in body, mind and spirit not only in individuals but in families, communities and nations. Nursing is a blend of psychology and physiology and is dedicated to restoring and maintaining the health and wellness of each client regardless of the situation or condition. Nurses are on the front lines fighting illness and disease, as well as educating and managing, using a variety of specialties that range from clinical work to in home and long term care.

Why should I choose a nursing career?
There is a huge demand for nurses. This year there are 100,000 unfilled jobs in the nursing profession and by 2015 that figure jumps to 382,000 jobs. The health care industry is growing at such an incredible rate that by the year 2020 the industry will be short 800,000 nurses. Those statistics have made nursing a very lucrative career. An LPN can earn around $37,000 the first year of service and that doesn’t include overtime. An RN can earn $52,000 and a nurse with a BSN can easily earn $55,000 not including bonuses or advances. A nurse with an MSN earns over $63,000 and a PhD is worth $73,000 or more depending on the hospital. Nurses work flexible hours that include three day work weeks and enjoy attractive vacation, insurance and retirement benefits. The satisfaction of caring for those in need and the ability to make a difference in the life of another human are the major reasons people choose nursing. Those experiences are priceless.

How can I earn nursing certification?
The classroom has always been the method to earn nursing certification, but online studying has become extremely popular. Advancing your nursing education in the classroom is fine for people who have the time to go to one location five days a week to study. Classroom study is more structured and can be an arduous task for students who work full time or who have family responsibilities and it can also be expensive. Instructors may not have the time to give each student the attention they need due to the size of the class and the distractions in the classroom. Online study gives the student more flexibility as they pursue their nursing education, which means they can blend their online courses with their other responsibilities. Instructors are available through emails, chat rooms and forums, as well as through telecommunications and other Internet options. The flexibility and the cost savings of online study has made earning or advancing one’s nursing education extremely popular and is making a nursing career a reality for a larger group of people.

Can I complete my theory and clinical studies online?
Classroom study does include theory as well as clinical work, but it still requires the student to go to a specific location to study. An online nursing education does include clinical work which can be completed in several ways. Local hospitals host visiting instructors so they can teach clinical work to online students. Some hospitals use staff nurses as instructors, which gives the student more flexibility. Video demonstrations are available so the student can complete some of the clinical work at home and when the clinical work is more advanced, hospitals assign mentors so students can ask questions and share information. Instructors are available through video calls and emails, plus chat rooms are open so the students can discuss different clinical concepts and practices while working on their nursing education. Studying nursing online has helped students earn nursing certification as well as a BSN, MSN or a PhD which results in a lucrative position in the healthcare industry.

By: David Stone

Below are some of the top articles from August pertaining to travel nurses and RNs from across the web.

A Nurse Reviews ‘Nurse Jackie’
by: Theresa Brown, R.N.
The New York Times: Health Blog / August 5, 2009

Nurse Theresa Brown reviews Showtime’s newest nursing drama ‘Nurse Jackie.’ In its first season, the show has quickly become one of the most controversial depictions of the healthcare field on television. Brown, R.N., describes her love-hate sentiments toward the persona of Jackie: admiration for her empathy and patience, and disappointment in her frivolous romances and unlikely drug problem. Jackie’s character paves her own way in an attempt to portray a realistic nurse, but some professionals think that the writers may have pushed the envelope too far.

Read the full review at: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/nurse-jackie-love-it-or-hate-it/

Top 10 Qualities of a Great Nurse
Nursing Link

In this feature piece, the staff at Nursing Link recognizes that years of education may be a sufficient prerequisite for a nursing career, but certain attributes are essential for achieving success. The authors list the ten traits they find most believe to be most common in great nurses and present them in a readable and friendly manner, while not sugarcoating the harsh standards that nurses are held to on a daily basis. Nurses who are compassionate, dynamic, and responsive (to name a few characteristics) are most likely to stay on top in today’s competitive job market.

Find all ten qualities at: http://www.nursinglink.com/careers/articles/5019-top-10-qualities-of-a-great-nurse

Analysis: Cost of Living on Travel Assignments
by: Anne Baye Ericksen
Healthcare Traveler / May 1, 2009

Considering the cost of living index (COLI) or the consumer price index is just one of the ways to prepare for an upcoming travel nurse assignment. In her article appearing in Healthcare Traveler magazine’s August edition, Anne Baye Ericksen informs nurses of important expenses to consider before beginning a new assignment. While hourly pay, housing expenses, and financial rewards are referred to most by healthcare staffing agencies such as Onward Healthcare, knowledge of local food costs, gas prices, and taxes will also be helpful for nurses in managing their expenses.

Get money-conscious at: http://healthcaretraveler.modernmedicine.com/healthcaretraveler/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=596352

50 Authentic American Experiences
by: Reed Tucker
Time Magazine

A small brick eatery in New Haven, Connecticut served America’s first hamburger in 1900. Hawaiians eat over 7 million cans of Spam every year. The Cedar Creek Treehouse in Washington boasts great views– from fifty feet above the ground in a Western red cedar tree. Indeed, Reed Tucker exposes that every state has its own unique attractions. These experiences are perfect for a day off, and away from the hospital, while on a travel nursing assignment.

Research a state at: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1909343_1909285,00.html

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!