October 29-30, 2012: Hurricane Sandy Update. We want to help you be safe and prepared during your travel nursing jobs. As you know, the East Coast is currently bracing for the full impact of Hurricane Sandy. Forecasters are predicting that the hurricane will have a major effect on coastal areas and large cities from the Carolinas to Maine. Regional authorities are concerned about flooding and power outages. Airline and train travel has been suspended in several areas. Whether you're currently on a travel nurse job or not, we urge you to follow all local news reports to find out what's happening in your area. As South Florida locals, we know that preparation and common sense advice can make a severe weather situation more manageable. (We also know that you shouldn't hesitate to follow the advice of local authorities. If for some reason authorities recommend evacuation in your area, please do so.) As always, if you are experiencing any nursing jobs-related  issues, please call the American Traveler hotline 800-884-8788. We will be on standby 24 hours a day. Emergency calls will be routed to the appropriate contact, and someone will get back to you ASAP. Advice [+]

ICU jobs are going places. Just ask Pamela Jo, an R.N. who joined American Traveler this month to embark on a travel nursing job in Alaska. A true adventurer, Pamela Jo set off for her first ever travel nurse job in her car, enjoying a scenic road trip that took her from her old home in Alma, Arkansas, through Canada, and eventually to Anchorage where her new Alaska travel nurse job has commenced. What might the best thing about this journey be? Pamela Jo was able to share it with her kids, who joined her on the road trip and helped her get settled in housing close to her ICU job at the hospital Learn more about free private housing by clicking on travel nurse job benefits. 

This R.N. and her family report that the scenery in and around Alaska is "the most beautiful thing ever!" Above picture- Pam and her kids river rafting From the looks of Pamela Jo’s photo album, it seems the trio is creating memories they won’t soon forget—which is why, in a month or two, we’re looking forward to sitting [+]

Today's post comes from Cheryl, a Travel PT from American Traveler. Thanks Cheryl! When I was a new grad from PT school, I remember learning about travel therapy.  Because I was not fond of change, the thought of starting a new job every three months did not sound appealing to me, but rather intimidating.  Now, having been a traveler for the past eight years, I can’t think of my life any other way.  I love the people I get to meet and the new places I get to see. I learn new customs in my very own country because each area has its own little twist on life. (For example, I “might could� eat BBQ every day of my life in Texas if I had a fixin’ to do so!)  But what I love the most about travel is that it allows me to live a very unique life. Fifteen years ago I stumbled upon a little country called Ecuador in South America when I signed up as a volunteer physical therapist for two weeks. I fell head over heels in love with this special place. Some years later, I purchased [+]

Read American Traveler’s Interview with an R.N. living in featured housing in Maui Tara is a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), who has taken her decade-long experience in urology and the perioperative setting to one of the most coveted beach destinations on the planet: Maui, where she now works in the island’s main hospital in an exciting Hawaii travel nurse job. Travel Nurse Q&A For R.N.s who might be looking to take a leap like Tara, here is an enlightening Q&A session about the family friendly nature of travel nursing. Tara is joined on her assignment by her husband and two daughters, ages 4 and 8. AT: What is your favorite thing about your featured housing in Maui? Tara: Without the private housing option this adventure would not have been possible for us.  We have the beach right out our front door.  We enjoy breakfast on our private lanai with an ocean view and watch the whales out in the bay. At night we fall asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach. AT: What kinds of things do you and your family like to do in [+]

Meet Cindy Burbatt, R.N. and her Pets American Traveler had the pleasure of checking in with a new member of our travel nursing staff, Cindy Burbatt, R.N. who shared some of the details of her first travel nurse job in Kansas City, Missouri. We talked with Cindy on the eve of her birthday. She was full of excitement for the road trip planned the following morning, departing from North Carolina en route to the heart of the Midwest. As the mother of three grown children, Cindy decided it was the right time to change up her 16-year background as a permanent staff telemetry/med surge nurse by accepting a travel nurse job in America’s heartland. While the truck she drives may not be anything that unusual for a R.N. moving to Kansas City, one standout detail is the 17ft. long trailer attached. It accommodates her longstanding and beloved pets, George and Ash; these are Cindy’s horses, and during the car trip to Missouri they’ll be staying in farms sprinkled throughout various states—places Cindy found through an online network called Horse Motel. When they arrive in Kansas City, Cindy will take up residence in a townhome, compliments of American Traveler’s private housing arrangement. George [+]

Everything You Need To Know and More Looks like you just landed a new travel nurse or travel therapy job. Congratulations! Your next step is to pack light and relocate to your new city. You brought your skills, bright smile and determination; your consultant at American Traveler is handling the rest, and will soon send a detailed driving route and other vital information to make your assignment worry-free and the ultimate healthcare travel job experience! Travel Nurse Housing Essentials For a complete pack list, click on up-to-date Suggestions for Completing Your Apartment, and be sure to bookmark the American Traveler Housing Tips page for future reference. Here are the basics! Kitchen: A good set of kitchen knives, complete set of cutlery, silverware tray, waste basket, coffee maker & mugs,  toaster oven, veggie peeler, can opener, cork screw, strainer, cookie sheet and frying pan. Don’t forget to pack or purchase, a dustpan and broom, and all the bowls & plates you’ll need during your travel nurse assignment. Electronics: Your important electronic possessions may include a T.V., DVR , cell phone, PC or laptop,  printer, alarm clock, iPad, stereo system. Bring all that apply, and don’t forget the phone charger, spare [+]