FAQ

​Whenever I travel to new places, I feel like I always get asked the exact same questions: how do you constantly move places every time, how do you find housing, what do you pack, and what is your favorite place so far? While I am happy answering all of these questions, I can’t help feeling inconsistent with what I tell people - mainly because I’m still figuring out how to move all the time and, quite frankly, how to travel nurse. I have nothing figured out no matter how much I pretend I do. In short, I want to attempt to answer all of these questions as of right now, so I can fully disclose my thoughts on these popular questions.

​How do you constantly move places EVERY time?

I have no idea for this one. I honestly just like moving. Even growing up and heading off to college I noticed that I would get bored living in one place for too long. At some point I would get this certain itch; This feeling that I needed to leave and see something else. I enjoy meeting new people, finding new favorite spots, and getting comfortable for a while. I can’t say I don’t ever wish that I had a place to call my own, because I do. Finding a new job in a different state, however, is so exciting for me and plagues my mind more-so than buying a house does. I mean… waking up at 5:00 am has a different meaning when you’re doing so to drive 12 hours instead of work 12 hours. I really can’t explain it. I love packing everything up, preparing the coffee, and preparing the trip. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, so constantly moving places isn’t a problem for me. That being said, if it is a problem for you, travel nursing still isn’t off the table. My profession has many different categories in my eyes. When people think of travel nursing they often think of moving different states every time (basically what I’m doing.) You can travel within one state though. As long as you meet the milage requirements, you can still get travel pay staying within a few hours from home. So don’t worry, there’s room for everyone!

How do you find housing?

​Okay, this is an easy question. I use online sources to find fully furnished, long-term housing. I use a site called furnishedfinder.com most of the time. However, I have had to dabble in the month-long rental selection airbnb.com has to offer. Furnished finder is more cost effective for me. You can find full units, rooms inside houses, or hotel rooms which makes the versatility user-friendly and brings the cost down. With airbnb you will be facing many uncharges for cleaning and other fees, making it more expensive. However, they do give discounts for long term stays. 

What do you pack?

​I try to pack as little as possible. That being said, I am the world’s best over-packer. When I say I try and take as little as possible, I mean I try to keep my packing to a maximum of 5 boxes. That’s a difficult task I promise. Depending on if I will be in a single unit or a room inside a house I will pack different things. I do have a linens box and a kitchen box that I can utilize as needed. Aside from that, clothing and shoes take a toll on me. I love shoes too much and when I go to places with multiple seasons at times when the seasons are changing, it can be difficult to cut out my closet. SO I’m still working on that aspect and obtaining clothes that can be worn year-round. If I was a boy I think packing would be a lot easier. I do drive everywhere, which gives me the upper hand when I do over-pack. I can always keep boxes in my car and I can take bulkier items as needed. What I recommend? To try and limit packing to two suitcases and a  couple of boxes. I only do 13 week assignments, but I am still trying to figure out how to take my own advise and cut out a majority of my wardrobe!

What is your favorite place so far?

​ALL OF THEM! I have learned so much about life and about my job at every single location. I have noticed, though, that my favorite places are central locations to other things. I loved being in Arizona because I was two hours from all of the fun spots (i.e. Flagstaff, Phoenix, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon). Same with Vermont. Mike and I would head into Maine or New Hampshire constantly because everything was so close! It was so much fun and I would recommend finding central locations when searching for travel nursing jobs. It can be difficult, but by being patient and knowing what you want, it is possible to find a place you actually enjoy being at. 

​Alright folks, those are my most frequently asked questions in a nutshell. Travel nursing does have it’s ups and downs, but with my experience the benefits have outweighed the hassle. 
With that in mind, stay in touch, stay in mind, and stay adventurous!