RN’s in the nation’s best travel nurse jobs are setting a great example for colleagues and patients by showing their hearts are in the right place. On February 4th many of them will observe “Wear Red Day” to help raise awareness on stroke and heart attack prevention. But every good travel nurse knows this isn’t enough. Throughout the calendar year, it’s important to raise cardiac health awareness and practice what we preach by living an active, smoke-free lifestyle and eating right.

A Travel Nurse Career Makes Your Heart Fuller!

Valentine’s Day has amazing potential for RN’s and therapists in featured travel nurse jobs from coast to coast. Leave your heart in San Francisco in high-paying California nursing jobs, or get cozy for the rest of the winter in New England nursing jobs. Don’t like the cold? Catch a romantic sunset in Florida nursing jobs—no matter where you go on the nursing career path, when it’s with American Traveler you decide the length of your assignment and work closely with our recruiters to find ideal free private housing in the city of your dreams.

If you need inspiration, click on these related Valentine’s Day stories:

• Travel nurse who fell in love in time for Valentine’s Day
• R.N.s who really love their travel nurse jobs

American Traveler wishes everyone a happy Valentine’s Day, and encourages those who crave an exciting, action-packed travel nurse career to call 1-800-884-8788 or apply online today.  Members of our full-time team enjoy top pay and benefits that include free private housing with amenities like gyms, swimming pools and nearby recreation that keep our R.N.s and therapists happy and healthy in all 50 U.S. States! What’s not to love about that?

Did you know…

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Heart Association have acknowledged the first Friday in February as “Wear Red” Day since the 1960s, but it’s just a small part of the war being waged against America’s #1 cause of death. Over 700,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year and over half of those incidents are recurrent coronary events; while these statistics are sobering, millions of us are heartened to know that prevention is key!

Footnote: If you’re  looking for a comprehensive guide on symptoms and prevention tips, visit the CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. Dietary approaches for avoiding hypertension, as well as exercise guidelines and targeted information for both men and women concerned about heart disease are available through the CDC and American Heart Association.

Spreading the word about the importance of an annual flu shot means you’re in good company with the Center for Disease Control. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months-old and up get vaccinated. The 2011-2012 flu strain is identical to last year’s, including the H1N1 virus; that means if you were vaccinated last year, you need only receive 1 shot this go around. Click here to find flu shots near you and be sure to post a comment on our Facebook page when you’ve done your good deed for the day!

American Traveler Encourages Flu Prevention Tactics For R.N.s

Some controversy has surrounded mandating the flu shot for medical personnel. Interested Registered Nurses can read about this on a related healthcare employer blog that discusses flu season in America and the waivers some hospitals are willing to grant: if the reluctant hospital staff agrees to wear a badge alerting patients and colleagues, as well as a mask that covers the nose and mouth. As American Traveler has always believed travel nurses need flu shots, we encourage everyone in R.N. and travel therapy jobs to do the responsible thing by getting vaccinated ASAP this Fall.

We don’t have to remind our registered nurses how to stay healthy during flu season, or how to manage the illness if they do succumb. But for refresher’s sake, we would like to offer a few gentle reminders.

A Travel Nurse’s Dos and don’ts During Flu Season:

• Do use hand soap at your work station, in restrooms and at home.
• Don’t go out if you’re sick. Stay in bed!
• Do take a multivitamin, and try incorporating more garlic and Vitamin C into your daily diet
• Don’t stress! The last thing you want is an increase in your body’s production of cortisol.
• Do drink plenty of water and exercise between glasses. It’ll help flush toxins out of your body!

American Traveler’s Flu Season Tips Keep Your Nursing Career in Good Health

If you’re looking for even more flu fighting facts, visit this government website that offers a flu app for your iPhone and other handy features; one of which will track the rate of flu in your neighborhood. Again, we cannot stress enough how important it is to avoid stress, and would point R.N.s who want to relax, toward our travel nurse jobs in tranquil areas with plenty of forests, parks and fields to roam. Call 1-800-884-8788 or apply online today to keep your spirits in good health. Here’s to navigating your way through another healthy flu season!

According to a 2010 review of nearly 150 independent studies on social ties the answer is a resounding “Yes.” Not only do close friends result in greater physical and mental health, say experts at Johns Hopkins University, supportive relationships help stave off memory loss, reduce stress and boost immunity – all factors associated with aging.

In fact, people with strong social ties had a 50 percent better chance of survival regardless of age, sex, and health than those with weaker ties, one study found.

Meeting new people and making friends is high up on the list of why RNs choose a travel nurse career. Countless have reported falling in love while on assignment and others traveling with soul mates and spouses say the experience is more enriching when someone comes along for the ride.

In terms of physical health, nurses often embark on travel nurse careers to get away from stressful permanent positions that result in burnout, less quality time with loved ones and personal and professional dissatisfaction. These nurses turn to social media tools such as Facebook to post pictures, send notes and stay connected with family and friends on assignment. American Traveler maintains an active Facebook page where nurses and “Friends” log on regularly to share stories and photos.

Doctors have equated the health risks of having too few “good” friends akin to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Others say having no friends at all is worse than being overweight in terms of shaving years off your life.

Close friends keep us sane and balanced. Travel nursing is a way to meet new people and make new friends. If you’re an experienced RN and you’re not already a travel nurse then give us a call. If you’re presently an RN travel nurse and looking to switch travel nurse agencies; some say American Travelers are the happiest around. Call 800.884.8788 or apply online today.

If you have questions about travel nurse careers, Just Ask Kristin, a senior consultant and travel nursing blog contributor who stands ready to assist in any way she can.

Related travel nurse friendship articles

• Friends Make Great Travel Nurse Referrals!
• Travel Nursing in Hawaii with friends

Get the Facts on the Penguin Cold Cap

R.N.s in oncology and med/surg jobs figure prominently into the care and treatment of breast cancer survivors; keeping patients’ morale high during chemotherapy is an absolute must—and that’s why compassionate professionals in registered nurse and travel nurse jobs should prioritize keeping up with the latest in alopecia solutions, recognized worldwide. The Penguin Cold Cap is such a solution, and grabbed the interest of the healthcare community at large, recently, when its related non-profit, The Rupunzel Project, which subsidizes the cost of cold caps for women with breast cancer, was featured on Good Morning America.

The reason Cold Caps are increasing in popularity; It’s good news for your patients!     

Cold caps have been around for decades, but are only recently achieving success and popularity. First introduced in 1994, with FDA support pending until more studies are run on the risk of developing scalp metastasis, Penguin cold caps recently calculated a miniscule 1.1% risk. These studies were on women with cancer in the early stages, and further showed an 80 to 90% success rate among patients whose treatments allowed them to use the caps correctly.

How does the patient use the Cold Cap—and what is it made of?

The current cold cap making headlines for its success, is really more of gel-filled helmet, and because it’s tightly strapped to the patient’s head, preventive measures must be taken to avoid frostbite on the forehead and around the ears—that’s why moleskin and Kotex—cut and set in place with the latter’s adhesive—is ideal for improving comfort and safety in the long hours the cap is worn; typically 2 hours while chemo takes place, and then for up to 4 hours following each round of chemo. The cold cap is priced at about $35, and must be replaced approximately every 25 minutes with a new cold cap registering at 30 degrees or below.

The patient featured in this video advocates bringing plenty of reading material and your best electric blanket. She likens the cold to “ an ache”—like being on a ski lift for a long time, but well worth the mild discomfort in the end. She made many insightful comments about the process, but the one that might capture the interest of compassionate registered nurses is this one: how, as a cancer patient, she realized much it meant to her family to have something to do. Participating in the transportation of the cold caps, fitting them and refitting them again, gave her spouse a valuable sense of purpose throughout her breast cancer ordeal.   

Work in a rewarding Med/Surg Nursing career that utilizes the latest trends in Oncology

American Traveler, a leading nurse staff agency, strives to keep the registered nurses and therapists in our employ on the tip-top of the hottest trends in healthcare. Our recruiters staff talent in America’s best hospitals, in med/surg and other specialty healthcare careers that have helped the facilities in partnership with us achieve their high rankings in U.S News & World Report. Call us at 800-884-8788 or apply online today to be part of groundbreaking patient care, where marvels like cold caps are just the tip of the iceberg!

It’s exciting to think about what Breast Cancer Awareness Month in this 2010 will bring in terms of support, donations, early detection and resources for survivors and their families—this Fall, travel nurses have a chance to play their part!

If you’re new to a travel nurse job and still unfamiliar with the area, just plug your current zip code into “Making Strides Event Near You“. You’ll find out the where and when on the nearest cancer walk, happening nationwide this October; you can sponsor a walker, an entire team—or make the 3 to 5 mile journey alongside like-minded peers, colleagues and friends. Getting the word out is as simple as sending a free E-card when you make online donations and/or register for Making Strides at the American Cancer Society.

In Octobers past, a wonderful show of support came from corporate American Traveler staff, who turned out in large numbers to walk for a cure through the streets of downtown Boca Raton, FL. This 2010, just as it was in previous years, there’s no registration fee to walk and no minimum donation—all are entitled to walk, from teenagers to grandparents, and any amount of dollars generated are welcome.

As an essential part of the medical community, travel nurses are expected to help educate the general public on issues related to their health; providing breast cancer survivors with the resources they need to understand and beat the disease is critical, as well as keeping patients cancer-free through enforcing preventive care, like annual mammograms and advice on how to do self breast exams.

There are trendsetters in this world and pacesetters, the later of which go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts to fight breast cancer. Travel nurses make ideal candidates for joining the American Cancer Society’s Pacesetters Club, as well as setting a trend in Healthcare for increased awareness on, not only early detection—but how to stay healthy after surviving breast cancer, should the life-changing event of this diagnosis occur.

Tips from the American Cancer Society include advice on how much to exercise and maintain dietary habits, so that they benefit not just your cancer status but overall health. Studies have shown that some of the same lifestyle habits that lead to heart disease and diabetes may also be linked to cancer; so apply the same healthy lifestyle guidelines for cardiac health, in what can still be happy and robust days following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Stay healthy in your remission from breast cancer!

• If you smoke, stop; keep consumption of alcohol to a minimum
• Get your heart rate up with at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five or more days a week
• Maintain a healthy weight/BMI
• Schedule regular cancer screenings with your doctor
• Celebrate every passing year without a recurrence of cancer as a milestone; 5 years out significantly drops your risk level

In society’s collective efforts to promote research and understanding, we—most notably, here, travel nurses—can make strides towards a cure and celebrate more birthdays, pink ribbons and all!

It is our hope that valued members of our American Traveler family, which include travel nurses from Florida to California, and the states in between—participate in this year’s kickoff and premier breast cancer awareness month. We can’t think of a better way to help keep you fit, introduce you to future friends, and support a worthwhile cause from coast to coast. We’ll see you in October!

That’s right, travel nurses! Between April 29th and May 2nd, the most famous race track in the world is a gorgeous spectacle to behold: this year’s Kentucky Derby promises the same brand of “mint julep sippin’-thoroughbred winner speculating-celebrity sighting fun”—a mouthful even if you’re not at the event sampling the traditional burgoo stew.

For you ladies working in Ohio travel nursing jobs, The Oaks part of the Kentucky Derby represents a fine opportunity to invite your girlfriends on a road trip. Your destination? The Ladies First celebration held Friday, April 30th at Churchill Downs; this race distinguishes itself from the Kentucky Derby, held the first Saturday in May—the capper on the most famous long weekend for thoroughbred racing on the whole planet.

Travel nurses seeking a good time right out of the gate, can learn more about “the party before the party” by visiting the Oaks site, where you can access an event lineup, preview photos from last year’s bash and buy tickets.

Too busy to click? Here’s a sneak peek at yummy things to come: on the eve of The Oaks race (4/29/10), the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center will host “Taste of the Derby” where the best chefs in the world assemble and invite you to try it all.

The best part about these go girl festivities are the proceeds raised for The Susan G. Komen for the Cure campaign, helping prevent breast cancer through the Horses and Hope charity.

Described as the ultimate ladies getaway, The Oaks race bills itself as “fillies for lilies.” The winning young female horse takes home the big prize, while spectators in full Derby regalia make this Friday night a preview of the most exciting two minutes in sports, scheduled the very next day.

If you can’t make it this year, take heart. See famous faces make their red carpet circuit at the Derby (former guests include the Queen of England) and other televised Derby events in the comfort of your living room; you’ll find TV scheduling by clicking here. But don’t assume you’re too far away to drive over for the fun—for Derby enthusiasts looking for North Carolina nursing jobs, it’s a doable road trip.

We hope to see plenty of our American Travelers off to the races!

RNs are a critical part of the medical team treating a woman with cancer, which, you could say, is women helping women; according to the U.S. Department of Labor, women make up 91% of the nursing workforce. If you want to use your skills to help cancer patients, American Traveler Nursing Professional Resources page has a link to the Oncology Nursing Society web site.

No matter her specialty, RNs should recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer (bloating, a feeling of fullness before meals, frequent trips to the bathroom, Pelvic and abdominal pain) to help their female patients, as well as know their own bodies well enough to stay healthy themselves.

The deadliest of all gynecological cancers, ovarian cancer and the research conducted everyday to beat it, is supported largely by The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA), where teal ribbons and a host of products in the same robin’s egg blue (bracelets, necklaces, pendants, art and more) are devoted to raising money for increased research, clinical trials for which visitors to the site can use matching services, and a support system for women who have ovarian cancer or will be diagnosed with it within the year.

2009 brought over 21,000 new documented cases of the disease. If you watch testimonials of its survivors on the Alliance website, you’ll see that the disease—though more prevalent in women age 55 and older—has and will continue to be diagnosed in women of all ages, races and medical histories.

If colon cancer or breast cancer runs in your family, there is an increased risk. What can you do about it?  Just be aware of your body and its changes—as a nurse, you have a good idea of what is normal for you and what isn’t. The OCNA has tools that can help you do your due diligence, with a personal symptom diary and guidance manual you can download, to better consult with your doctor.

You can also get involved. Are you a nurse who wants to specialize in oncology and help cancer patients? American Traveler has RN jobs in Oncology in top hospitals nationwide. If you’re interested in New York travel nursing jobs in the springtime of 2010, you’ll be close to a very important event on May 1st in New York City, where there will be a Revlon RunWalk that helps secure donations and pledges for ovarian cancer research.

By visiting the OCNA website, you can subscribe to an RSS feed that provides continuous updates on positive advances in protecting women, and fighting cancer.

If you or someone you love is facing this disease, or is in any way touched by it, the site sells beautiful handmade bracelets, and will donate all proceeds; these bracelets are made of Swarovski crystals, sterling silver and teal fiber optic cat’s eye beads, and a sterling silver awareness ribbon. It might your head start this Mother’s Day—a gift to benefit thousands.