If you decide to go the stipend route and wonder where you can actually find housing for a travel nurse who works just 13 weeks in one city, then stop wondering because it is easier than you think.

You can of course search sites like Craigslist or Apartments.com, but wouldn’t it be easier to search sites specifically for travel nurses? 

Well you’re in luck. 

Here are four websites designed specifically to bring together property owners and travel nurses looking for housing:

• www.housingtravelnurses.com
• www.travelnursingcentral.com
• www.openunits.com
• www.travel-nurse-housing.com/Traveling-Nurse-Temporary-Housing.asp

 Jeff Long is the Marketing Manager at Medical Solutions, a travel nursing company. He has never been a nurse and is not a recruiter; his goal is to help you meet your career goals by sharing information, advice, and the benefits of travel nursing with you. He also blogs regularly atTravelNursingBlogs.com.

Discomfort. Pain. Stress. Lethargy. So much comes with serious illness beyond diagnoses, tests, medications, and potentially taxing treatment protocols. There’s also pain management, patient education, and complex emotional swings. Palliative care specialists strive to provide patients holistic relief from their symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illnesses. Although akin to hospice, palliative patients aren’t necessarily dealing with life-threatening diseases, but intense medical situations nonetheless. And it’s that distinction that makes it a high-demand specialty. Unfortunately, resources nationwide continue to fall short.

The Center to Advance Palliative Care issued the America’s Care of Serious Illness: A State-by-State Report Card on Access to Palliative Care in Our Nation’s Hospitals, which judges how well—or not—facilities meet communities’ palliative needs. While the 2011 grades show marked improvement over the previous report card released in 2008, they also reveal notable disparities.

The Good News

More than half of the states earned a B mark. Even better, seven states and the District of Columbia made top grades, meaning more than 80 percent of their hospitals offer palliative services. Only 12 percent of states received failing grades.

Geographical Influences

For whatever reason, the South appears to be the most lackluster in palliative offerings. For example, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama sport the dubious honor of posting the lowest rates of palliative care among small hospitals while more than half of reporting small hospitals in Maine and New Hampshire sponsor formal palliative programs.

Bigger is Better

The report card also shows that larger hospitals are more likely to staff palliative specialists. Eighty-five percent of medical centers with a minimum of 300 beds employed palliative care teams opposed to less than one-quarter of small hospitals nationwide. What’s more, communities hosting only one hospital were highly unlikely to have palliative specialists on staff. 

In an environment where the national healthcare community is already bracing for the projected onslaught of greater demand created by both the aging American population and newly insured individuals, the calls for palliative skills will probably react in kind. In other words, healthcare professionals trained in these services should experience a surge in career opportunities. And if you’re interested in pursuing mobile contracts in palliative care, it’s best to know how contracting facilities view and embrace this healthcare specialty.

See how the states rate at capc.org/reportcard. For more information on the palliative specialty, check out the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association at hpna.org.

Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer based in Simi Valley, Calif.

Photo: Michal Marcol

If your winter plans include a skip trip, don’t forget to arrange for travel insurance in the event of an accident or medical emergency. However, unless you are into extreme sports such as helisking, mountaineering or skydiving, you probably don’t need to spend extra on a policy’s optional hazardous sports upgrade according to Squaremouth.com, a site for comparing and buying travel insurance. “Most standard travel insurance policies cover someone while they are skiing or snowboarding,” explains Sarah Byrne, Marketing Manager at Squaremouth.

“It’s common for travelers to question whether or not they need the additional coverage,” says Chris Harvey, CEO of Squaremouth. “Although most travelers will not need it, it’s always important to read the fine print to know exactly what the policy will cover.”

Consumers should review a policy and pay close attention to the General Exclusions section. If skiing or snowboarding is not listed, travelers do not need to buy the upgrade. If additional coverage is needed, the Hazardous Sports benefit provides coverage for evacuation to a hospital and medical treatment if injured while playing an extreme sport. “If you have a policy that excludes skiing and you didn’t select the Hazardous Sports option, a travel insurance provider will deny the claim, leaving you responsible for all medical bills,” advises Byrne.

Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Travelers, who plan to participate in a sporting competition, should be aware that coverage is most likely not available. This can include anyone from kids signing up for a weekend ski competition to a professional snowboarder. “Even though the sporting event may not be considered a hazardous sports, most travel insurance providers will not cover these athletes,” says Byrne.

You can buy a travel insurance policy up until the day before you travel. However, travelers who need Pre-Existing Medical coverage or Cancel for Any Reason coverage will want to buy a policy within 14-30 days from making the first deposit on the trip.

Jim Twardowski, RN, is a travel writer based in New Orleans.

Photo: digitalart

The dawn of a new calendar year brings new hope, so what better time to set goals or make promises to yourself?

Do you think New Year’s resolutions seem cliché or a sentimental gesture at best? Pessimists suggest they are an exercise in futility. Indeed, you probably have as good of a shot at winning the lottery as you do in keeping resolutions. According to BookofOdds.com, the chances of an adult not keeping a New Year’s resolution for an entire year is 1 in 1.15. The odds of an adult not keeping that promise for more than one month are slightly better at 1 in 2.7. The odd-makers give some hope that adults can follow through for at least one week—there’s a 1 in 8.33 chance we will not fulfill resolutions for the first seven days in January.

Photo: luigi diamanti

New Year’s resolutions do not have to be destined to become broken promises. In fact, mental health experts insist that the benefits of setting these annual objectives outweigh any likelihood of failure. Research indicates people who make resolutions are many times more likely to meet their goals than those who do not.

However, success shouldn’t be left to chance. Here are a few strategies for stronger resolution resolve.

Start Small. Losing 50 pounds is too big of a task to tackle at once. Long-term goals allow too many opportunities for excuses to give up because the finish line is so far off. If you set smaller benchmarks, such as a pound or two a week, then you’ll see progress sooner and will be more committed to meeting your resolution.

Make a Plan. The pounds aren’t going to magically drop away. How are you going to change your exercise and diet habits? Make a specific plan, like walking a couple times each week and controlling portions by passing on seconds.

Figure Out Where and When. If you at least visualize when you will fit in those walks and where you will go, then you improve the odds that you will follow through.

Forgive Yourself. If you fall off the New Year’s resolution bandwagon, don’t beat yourself up, and don’t give up. Simply acknowledge, adjust, and reaffirm your resolve.

Celebrate Success. If you keep your resolution one week, one month, or longer, congratulate yourself on a job well done.

Photo: jscreationzs

Most Common New Year’s Resolutions (year after year)

Weight loss

Exercise more

Quit smoking

Debt reduction

Better money management

Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer based in Simi Valley, Calif.

Photo: Antoine Henrich

I never tire of New York City–the place has an incredible energy. When my family visits

the Big Apple, we like to walk to the attractions. A hotel in Times Square is a perfect

location.

Hilton has seven hotels in the area offering a special Times Square Entertainment

Package. Guests receive a coupon book with small discounts to attractions and

15-20% off select restaurants.

Participating hotels include:

• Hilton New York Fashion District
• Hilton Times Square
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton New York City-Times Square
• DoubleTree by Hilton Metropolitan-New York City
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street
• Hilton Garden Inn Times Square
• Hampton Inn Manhattan-Times Square North

As I was browsing the hotels online, I clicked on the “Book Now” link to determine rates. I

was surprised to see the reservation page allows you to check a box if your

dates are flexible–just like airlines. I quickly discovered we could save as much as

$200 a night depending on which days we travel. This is a terrific reservation tool–

thanks Hilton!

Book a hotel online  or call 1-800-Hiltons and request the LJ/LJ1 package, which is available until June 30, 2012.

Photo: Stuart Miles

What can be better than chocolate and a free luxury hotel room? Select Sofitel hotels are offering an irresistibly delicious package from now until January 16, 2012.

Book the “I Love Chocolate” deal and savor:

* One free night (stay for three nights and only pay for two).

* A festive chocolate feast of delectable pastries and hot chocolate on the afternoon of your choice for the whole family.

* 3 pm late check-out.

* Triple points with an AClub membership. (AClub is a free loyalty program accepted at more than 2,300 hotels worldwide. Visit www.a-club.com for information and to join.)

Hotels participating in this promotion include:

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

Sofitel Los Angeles

Sofitel Chicago

Sofitel Miami

Sofitel Minneapolis

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

Sofitel New York, Sofitel Philadelphia

Sofitel San Francisco Bay

Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square

Reservations must be booked ahead of time online at www.accorhotels.com, www.aclub.com or www.Sofitel.com.

Sofitel hotels are upscale with a French influence. The Sofitel Montreal guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with downtown views and original artwork. The Philadelphia Sofitel is steps from Rittenhouse Square and America’s inspiring historic treasures. The Art Deco Miami Sofitel overlooks a blue lagoon. Hollywood glamour can be found at the Los Angeles Sofitel, which is not far from Rodeo Drive. The Chicago Sofitel is a 32-story prism of glass near the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan. Bordering the White House, the Washington, DC Sofitel boasts marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. The restaurant at Sofitel Minneapolis is akin to a turn-of-the century Parisian brasserie. Located in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Sofitel is a resort-style property on a lagoon. Conveniently placed in midtown Manhattan, the New York Sofitel is close to Times Square and Broadway theaters.

Jim Twardowski, RN, is a travel writer based in New Orleans.

Dealing with the stress that comes with each new assignment is something that all successful travel nurses need to learn how to do. One of the easiest ways is to make sure you have the right information you need before you get to your assignment.

Some of these items may seem like common sense, but so much is going on when you are starting an assignment and you have plenty of things to do. So having these items in an easy to see spot in front of you will help make sure you don’t forget anything.

This list includes:

·         Hospital name

·         Hospital address, city, state

·         Hospital phone

·         Hospital emergency contact information

·         Manager/Supervisor

·         Date/Time of first day

·         Location of unit

·         Dress code

·         Scrub color/are they provided?

·         Testing at hospital

·         Documents to bring

·         Parking information

·         Orientation/First week’s schedule

·         Hours guaranteed during first week

·         Housing address, city, state

·         Housing contact information

This is all information your recruiter should have for you and if they do not provide it upfront, make sure you ask for it before you leave for your assignment.

Here is a link where you can download a printable checklist you can use when you are on the phone with your recruiter.

Jeff Long is the Marketing Manager at Medical Solutions, a travel nursing company. He has never been a nurse and is not a recruiter; his goal is to help you meet your career goals by sharing information, advice, and the benefits of travel nursing with you. He also blogs regularly at TravelNursingBlogs.com.

Alas, we’re down to the final days of the holiday shopping season; have you been a busy elf? Have the gifts been bought, wrapped, and shipped? If you’re like me, you’re not even close to being finished. Don’t despair and definitely don’t let the Grinch steal your holiday spirit. There’s still time to find last-minute treasures.

Photo: photostock

But instead of settling for some random trinket, why not give a gift that can make a difference by donating to a charity in either your name or in honor of a loved one? And if you wish to see your gift have a lasting effect, check out some of these groups working around the globe.

Photo: Naito8

• Heifer International

For as little as $20, you can give a hungry family a flock of chicks that will grow into a flock of chickens and supply the family with eggs for years to come. Heifer International makes “living loans” of livestock and training to help end hunger. As part of the arrangement, recipients must give at least one of the animal’s offspring to another family in need, thereby passing on the good will. Go to heifer.org to see the full living loans catalog.

• Nothing but Nets

More than 1 million people—mostly children younger than 5—die from malaria every year. It is a worldwide problem, but particularly devastating in Africa, where there are 10 new cases every second. It is also one of the most preventable diseases. A contribution of $10 buys one insecticide-treated bed net (along with educational materials) to ward off disease-carrying mosquitoes. Learn more at nothingbutnets.net.

• Lemonade International

The La Limonada community in Guatemala City traces its rich history back to the Mayans, but today is one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in Central America. Lemonade International strives to make a positive impact by donating shoes and scholarships to residents, or helping pay teachers’ salaries. Choose which program you’d like to support at lemonadeinternational.org.

More Gift Ideas

Of course, groups like the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, or the United Way welcome cash gifts, too. Or you can donate toward care packages for the troops (operationtroopaid.org). But one of my favorites this year is LEGOSantaYoda.com. Not only does the Star Wars sage deliver your season’s greetings for free, but the folks at LEGO will donate one LEGO toy to Toys for Tots with each ecard sent. Now, that’s pretty cool.

P.S. Don’t forget to claim charitable giving on your tax returns. Just be sure to keep canceled checks or credit card receipts. In absence of those, ask for a written confirmation from the organization for tax purposes.

Happy Holidays!

Photo: digitalart

“Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective” exhibit will make its only North American stop at the Denver Art Museum, March 25-July 8, 2012.  A sweeping retrospective of the designer’s 40-year career features 200 haute couture outfits, photographs, drawings, and films illustrating his creativity and the development of his style.

Organized thematically the exhibit highlights include:

• The Gender Revolution galleries demonstrate how Saint Laurent bent (and sometimes broke) the rules of what women were expected to wear.

• The Yves Saint Laurent and Women section, displays clothing famous women wore including Catherine Deneuve, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Paloma Picasso.

• The Last Ball section, features exquisite evening dresses.

• The Colors of Yves Saint Laurent gallery, displays vibrant examples from his collections fabric samples.

Denver Hotels Offer Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective VIP Packages

A dozen Mile High City hotels are offering VIP packages. Guests who purchase a VIP hotel package will receive two tickets valid for any date and time ,along with an audio guide exhibition for each room booked. The tickets allow guests to enter the exhibit at the next available time slot and bypass the line. Participating hotels include: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa; the Comfort Inn; Four Seasons Hotel Denver; Grand Hyatt Denver; Hilton Garden Inn – Denver Cherry Creek; Hotel Monaco Denver; Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center; JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek; The Ritz-Carlton Denver; Sheraton Denver Downtown; The Curtis; and the Westin Downtown Denver. Book the hotel online at http://www.denver.org/ysl/

Compare the hotel packages–each is providing different amenities.  The Four Seasons Denver’s Parisian Pampering Package includes a $40 credit toward brunch or lunch at EDGE Restaurant and a $100 credit to be pampered at The Spa at Four Seasons, not to mention a special YSL Beauty sample courtesy of Neiman Marcus.The JW Marriott Denver’s Cherry Creek Couture Getaway includes a $100 Cherry Creek North shopping gift card, a $25 credit at the JW’s Second Home Kitchen + Bar and complimentary valet parking. The Ritz Carlton Denver’s Haute Heights Package includes a choice of four fashion-inspired spa treatments and a YSL-inspired amenity upon arrival – a sweet chocolate stiletto or Sultry ‘LBD’ cocktail (Champagne/Chambord/St. Germain garnished with a black grape)

Jim Twardowski, RN, is a travel writer based in New Orleans.

One of our family’s fondest travel memories is our first visit to New York City.  Using the CityPASS, we bypassed the line at the Empire State Building and were whisked to the top for a phenomenal view.

CityPASS is a coupon book for major attractions in North American destinations.  The deeply discounted prices can save as much as 50 percent off the usual admission price and bearers can usually skip lines.

Typically, once the first CityPASS admission ticket is redeemed, the holder has nine days in which to use the remaining coupons in the booklet.  The CityPASS Winter special waives the nine day rule.  Beginning December 15, 2011, visitors who buy or activate previously purchased CityPASS booklets for Boston, Hollywood, New York City, Philadelphia, or Seattle have up to 77 days (until February 22, 2012) to redeem attraction tickets.

The cities participating in the CityPASS Winter Special include:

New York CityPASS: Cost: $79 adult, $59 youth (6-17); Savings: 46 percent. Included Attractions: Empire State Building Observatory, American Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum or Top of the Rock observation deck, and either the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. www.citypass.com/new-york

Hollywood CityPASS: Cost: $59 adult, $39 child (3-11); Savings: 46 percent. Included Attractions: Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Red Line Tours, “Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes” Tour, and either the Kodak Theatre Guided Tour or The Hollywood Museum. www.citypass.com/hollywood.

Seattle CityPASS: Cost: $59 adult, $39 child (4-12); Savings: 50 percent. Included Attractions: Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, EMP Museum, and either Woodland Park Zoo or The Museum of Flight. www.citypass.com/seattle

Boston CityPASS: Cost: $46 adult, $29 child (3-11); Savings: 48 percent. Included Attractions: New England Aquarium; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Museum of Science; Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center; and either the Harvard Museum of Natural History or John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. www.citypass.com/boston

Philadelphia CityPASS: Cost: $59 adult, $39 child (2-12); Savings: 47 percent. Included Attractions: The Franklin Institute, Adventure Aquarium, Phila Trolley Works Tour & The Big Bus Company, Philadelphia Zoo, National Constitution Center or The Academy of Natural Sciences, and either Eastern State Penitentiary or Please Touch Museum. www.citypass.com/philadelphia

CityPASS ticket booklets can be bought online at CityPASS.com or at any of the participating attractions.

Jim Twardowski, RN, is a travel writer based in New Orleans.