Essential Health Tips for Travel Nurses During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Travel RN jobs are in high demand as the COVID-19 outbreak spreads at speed across the United States. As states hit peaks at varying times, the demand for healthcare workers is rapidly changing across the nation.
The virus is causing a huge influx of infected patients into our hospitals, putting them over capacity and placing a massive strain on staff. Some hospitals are even closing departments in a scramble to reorganize their staff and provide care to those in most need.
As the crisis continues, the demand for travel RN jobs has increased, as much as fourfold in some states. With an increase in demand comes an increase of pay, with the average travel RN salary doubling on average nationwide.
However, many travel nurses are concerned about the risk of infection, especially when traveling across the country.
Is it possible to stay free of coronavirus and keep safe as a travel nurse to benefit from the short-term salary spike?
How to Reduce Your Risk of Infection as a Travel RN
As a healthcare worker, and as a travel RN, you put yourself at an increased risk of being infected with COVID-19. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection.
At the time of writing, the WHO recommends that you:
- Don’t take vitamin C
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drink additional herbal teas
- Don’t wear multiple masks
- Don’t take antibiotics to try to protect yourself from coronavirus
- Conduct basic hand and respiratory hygiene
- Handle food safely
Additionally, tips for travel RNs include:
- Know the hospital policy
- Don’t stint on protocol
- Practice with PPE
- Practice good hygiene
- If you do develop any symptoms, contact your employer or agency immediately
It is important to follow these measures for your own safety and for the safety of others. Stopping the spread of the virus is vital and healthcare workers are essential to help keep our country healthy. If you do start to notice symptoms, it is crucial that you report this immediately to minimize the risk of infecting colleagues or other patients.
Why You Should Continue to Work as a Travel RN Through The COVID-19 Outbreak
Travel RNs can make a huge difference in helping hospitals win the fight against coronavirus. Additional healthcare workers in areas that are worst hit by the outbreak help ensure that patients get the care they need and stem the spread of the virus.
Hospitals and governments are recognizing this and making it easier for travel RNs to work in states that need them the most. Over 30 states have now eased their regulations, allowing nurses who are already licensed to practice without having to apply for a new license in their state.
Not only are you able to help in a time when society needs you the most, but there are also personal benefits to traveling as an RN as well. You will find that you will learn new skills in these roles as you take on new responsibilities. These new skills can be a great addition to your resume and benefit your career in the long term. Then, of course, there is the obvious short-term salary hike that can benefit you financially.
Go There; Save Lives
We are living through unprecedented times. As a travel RN, you can make a real difference and help win the fight against coronavirus. Your services are in demand, and with the temporary relaxation of regulations you can earn well and boost your resume.
Of course, your own health and safety (and the health and safety of others) will be your main concern. However, by following the tips above you can minimize your risk of infection to be able to benefit from the short-term salary spike and learn new skills.
Contact Loyal Source for the best Travel RN opportunities.