Productivity Hacks from Premier Recruiters

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Emily Burton

In order to be a successful recruiter, time management is a must-have skill. Many of us struggle with productivity in our daily lives, so I asked our Premier staff what their secrets are when it comes to living and working efficiently. I don’t know about you, but I’ll definitely be implementing some of these productivity hacks to tackle my personal goals!

Lists are Friends, Not Foes

Keeping an organized to-do list is one of the easiest productivity hacks that will help you prioritize your tasks and get them done on time. Premier VP of Operations, Cherise, says, “I plan for my next day, every day. I make ‘to do’ lists for the week and weekend to keep me motivated to spend more time doing hobbies and staying active.” Recruiter Allie adds, “I start my day with the things I NEED to complete and then prioritize my to-dos based on most important tasks, and when it’s a busy day, I’ll reward myself with a break.” If you’re like me and procrastinate that one task or chore that I really don’t want to do, Director of Recruitment, Russ, has some sage advice: “There was a book I read years ago, Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. It talked about not putting off the big task that you’re dreading doing (such as eating a yucky frog) as it will suck up so much of your energy. It also creates so much anxiety and it’s best to knock that big thing off the task list so you’re that much better at all the other tasks you need to do.”

Keep an Updated Calendar

In addition to keeping a detailed and prioritized to-do list, one of the most popular productivity hacks with our recruiters is keeping an updated calendar. Putting tasks on scheduled deadlines in your calendar will help you maximize your time each day. Recruiter Leigh notes, “I try to update my calendar and keep track of it. I will look at it a week ahead of time and schedule time on Monday mornings to regroup on what to focus on this week.” Recruiter Sarah adds, “if I do not complete a task I have on my calendar, I mark it in bright red, so I know I need to complete it ASAP. I use my calendar like a to-do list!” Putting goals on a workable timeline in your calendar will significantly boost your chances of achieving them. “For personal goals, I try to again break larger goals down into weekly/daily chunks,” says Recruiter Tara. “I will set a 12-week goal and create verb action items I plan to do to accomplish them, and the amount of time needed each day to be successful.”

Multitasking is a Myth

It’s super important to understand that productivity does not mean doing everything at once. In fact, you can be more productive by doing one thing at a time. Director of Recruitment, Russ, advises, “Be present in the moment. Multitasking is a myth. It is always better to focus on one thing and do it well before moving forward onto something else. Rapidly switching from task to task means that nothing ever gets the true commitment needed to make it awesome!” Staggering your tasks so that you are spending adequate time on each thing is one of the most underrated productivity hacks. On a different side of that same coin, making sure you are not spending too much time on one task is important as well. Recruiter Sarah uses a timer system to help her stay on track: “If there is something I need to get done right now, I will set a 15-minute or 30-minute timer to focus just on that task. I do not answer emails or messages during that time and do not take calls because I need to prioritize that task.”

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

The key to being a productive person is to make sure your personal needs are met throughout the day. This means keeping your mental and physical health in check by taking intermittent breaks. Recruiter Mia says, “I use different kinds of fidget toys to help when my mind needs a break. I learned to solve a Rubik’s cube, so I solve that once or twice and feel accomplished from that to then start back up on the day.” Make sure to budget time in your day for self-care and physical activity. Mia’s strategy is: “Flexing my work hours to be able to go to the gym while it isn’t busy, to get some energy!”

A busy day full of tasks can also quickly lead to exhaustion. Don’t ignore your body when it needs a little rest. Compliance Specialist Samantha is a big proponent of the “power nap.” She says: “In college, I was able to master a 15-minute power nap! Whenever I’m dog-tired and can feel my eyes getting heavy but have way too much to do, I set a timer on my phone for 15 minutes and take a nap on the couch. It’s just long enough to reset my battery, and I wake up energized! Sometimes I need a little bit longer, so I set it for another 15 minutes, but napping in 15-minute intervals is super good for you!” You may think that taking breaks and napping are counterproductive, but in fact, breaks are proven to increase focus and performance, as well as relieve stress.

Make Your Environment Reflect Your Daily Goals

Your surroundings can have a big effect on your productivity. If your space is cluttered, noisy, or stressful, it’s going to make accomplishing tasks a lot harder. Recruiter Allie emphasizes this by saying: “I am all about the mindset as well as how my environment is. I make sure my office space is clean and distraction free, chill music and dogs by my feet.” Make sure you are in a good headspace and are feeling comfortable before diving into your work or tasks. Recruiter Lauren H. says, “some of my at-home favorites are a soft blanket – good music in the AirPods, a cup of coffee, and water bottle next to the desk as well! Sunshining and ready to grind!”

Ready to get connected with one of our amazing recruiters? Fill out the form below!

How to Beat First Day Anxiety at a New Travel Nursing Job

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Emily Burton

Whether you are new to travel nursing or a seasoned contract warrior, it is extremely normal to be nervous about your first day on the job at a new facility. There are new co-workers to get acquainted with, new routines to adjust to, and a new set of patients to care for. When you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything that’s unfamiliar, just remember, you were hired for this travel nursing job because you are a qualified and skilled nurse. (Plus, if you work for Premier, your recruiter has your back.)

Follow these tips to help you overcome first-day jitters and have the best possible start to each new travel nursing job.

Tips for the Week Before

The week before every new travel nursing job, you and your recruiter should chat about the necessary details to prepare you for day one at the new role. These will include what time to arrive, where to park, where to sign in, who you will report to, and include a basic overview of the facility.

If you’re feeling a little nervous about arriving on time, do a trial run of your commute the week before you start so you know exactly what to expect on your first day. Take the time to drive the route during your normal commuting time, or get familiar with the local public transportation, so you can have a sense the amount of time it will take you to get to work to ensure you will be punctual when your actual start date comes around.

First Day Fit Check

Be sure that you know about the job’s uniform requirements before you start. If you need to purchase a new color of scrubs to match the rest of your unit, make sure you do so at least a few weeks beforehand so you can have them ready to go for your first day. When starting a new travel nursing job, it is important to have a working badge holder and a reliable pair of nursing shoes ready to go as well. The night before your first day, pack your lunch, lay out your clothing, and set out your first-day paperwork. This way, you won’t be rushed trying to get everything together when you’re heading out the door!

Make Self Care a Priority

When dealing with anxiety ahead of a new travel nursing job, a few self-care exercises can go a long way in easing the nerves. Take some time to name your specific fears: knowing what is actually making you nervous will empower you to tackle those first-day jitters head-on. For example: maybe you’re nervous about meeting your new supervisor and coworkers, or maybe you’re worried about the volume of patients at your new facility. Knowing exactly what is troubling you before your new contract will help you create specific action steps to confront those fears and ease your mind. In addition, do what you can to get adequate sleep before your first day on the job. Wake up in time to eat a healthy meal and have time for meditation, yoga, or another practice that will help you get centered before you start the day.

Be Ready to Learn & Ask Questions

At any new travel nursing job, your first week will mainly consist of new hire orientation and getting familiar with the new facility and its daily operations. Being open-minded and ready to learn will help you gain confidence in your new role. During these initial days on the job, you will complete paperwork, get your new badge, and be shown around your unit. Be intentional about soaking in all the information like a sponge, and if you feel the need to take notes, don’t be afraid to do so. While it is likely that you have experienced different ways of doing things in your previous positions, your first day on the job is not the time to critique this hospital’s systems, but to learn how to be an effective team member in this new environment.

One of the most common mistakes travelers make during their first week is feeling like they can’t ask questions. New hire orientation is the perfect time to get all your burning questions answered, so don’t hold back! Whether it’s your recruiter, nurse manager, or orienting nurse, you should ask any and all questions you have about your new role so you can move through onboarding with confidence.

Confidence is the Name of the Game

No matter what your nerves are telling you, remember that you know how to be a good clinician. Take the time to think about specific skills you are confident in and how you landed this contract in the first place. And most of all, come back to work the second day with a smile on your face. The best is yet to come!

Ready to dive into your next travel nursing assignment? Fill out the form below!

What Recruiters Wish You Knew About Applying for Contract Nursing Jobs

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Emily Burton

Applying for contract nursing jobs can sometimes be a challenge to those who have never been through the process before. Working with a recruiter is key to landing your ideal travel nursing assignment, but there are certain things you can do to make their jobs easier. Here are some things our Premier recruiters wish you knew about applying for contract nursing jobs.

The Importance of Being Prepared

This may go without saying, but coming to your recruiter properly prepared will help fast-track your application. “Clinicians that have all of their docs and certs ready to go often get submitted faster,” says Premier recruiter Cailey. “My suggestion is to save your updated resume, skills checklist, BLS/certs, vaccine information, and any other important items in a folder so you can be ready to send them to your recruiter. We need these items up front in order to submit anyone.” In addition to having your ducks in a row in terms of documents, make sure you have already contacted your references and confirmed that they are ready to provide you with a good recommendation as soon as your recruiter gives them a call. Recruiter Nicole suggests, “have 2-3 supervisors handy for references.”

The Process Goes Very Quickly

Most applicants for contract nursing positions have no idea how fast the process goes. Premier recruiter Sarah M. notes, “the timeline is very quick! The clinician should know that the jobs open and close in a matter of hours in some cases and that time is of the essence.” Applying for contract nursing jobs is not the same as the application process for most other roles. In fact, there is a higher sense of urgency to fill contracts. “I wish more applicants knew more about urgency and how important it is to get things done in a timely manner,” says recruiter Lauren K.

To keep up with the pace of jobs opening and closing, it is important to work with one recruiter instead of juggling multiple agencies and contacts. Recruiter Tara suggests, “work exclusively with your recruiter. All recruiters have access to the same jobs, and if you only work with your Premier recruiter, you will not have to worry about being double-applied to the same job and rejected. You only have to complete paperwork once, and it gives you both the confidence to submit to new openings as soon as they are posted.”

Competition is High

Applying for contract nursing jobs is often stressful due to the enormous competition in the field, especially at the current moment. “Applicants should know the competition is high and that some hospitals only accept a small number of applicants per job,” says Sarah M. Nicole adds, “by the time jobs are posted, recruiting firms already have a pool of candidates waiting to submit; 80% of jobs are filled within minutes of the opening.” Keeping in mind that piece of information, it is crucial to make sure that your resume stands out and is completely up to date. For tips on how to update your travel nurse resume ahead of your next application, check out our blog post here.

Travel Job Boards are Not Always Reliable Sources of Information

Travel nurse job boards…we love them, but they are not reliably fact-checked. To gain the most accurate information about rates and job details, it is best to rely on your recruiter. Premier recruiter Hannah puts it this way: “See your dream job on Vivian? Cool! Vivian is a great tool, but it is a tool – the information on there is gathered from our internal system. Please do not get mad at your recruiter that the pay you saw on Vivian is different than what they quoted you (it is all based on a formula and cannot take into account the nuisances of fees, etc. that vary from facility to facility) And sometimes there are errors – i.e. it might say the wrong specialty or not say that it’s a Charge RN position, etc.”

Rates are Always Subject to Change

One of the biggest complaints about applying for contact nursing jobs is that pay rates are not always standard across the board, and they do change quite a bit. Recruiter Jessie notes, “not all rates listed on job boards are universal. There are contingent factors which include: Are you considered local to the facility? Does that rate include the stipend amounts, and if so, do you qualify for stipends? Does that rate include overtime pay?” Rates also fluctuate depending on what is going on in the market at any given time. Lauren K. explains, “I wish applicants knew more about the changing market and what realistic rates look like now that COVID is over.” During the pandemic, crisis nursing rates were higher due to demand, but now that the COVID cases have fallen, contract nursing pay rates have reflected that.

We Actually Appreciate Your Questions

Asking questions is a crucial part of communicating with your recruiter, especially if you are new to the contract nursing process. “Interview the recruiter just as much as they interview you,” suggests Nicole, “this way you can give them parameters on jobs to apply for and get submitted within minutes of jobs opening once you have a completed profile established.” Getting to know more about your recruiter and their role is key to being successful in applying for contract nursing jobs.

Your Recruiter is Doing Their Best to Find You a Job! (Please be patient and kind.)

It is easy to get frustrated during the application process, but please remember that there is so much going on behind the scenes of getting you your dream contract, and those things tend to take some time. “There are often a lot of ‘middle people’ involved in the process,” explains Cailey, “the clinician communicates with the recruiter who communicates with the client manager who communicates with the client who communicates with the facility, and so on. Try not to get discouraged if it’s taking a while to get answers – there are a lot of people working behind the scenes to help you out! At Premier, there are many people advocating for you throughout the entire process – your recruiter, the client manager, the compliance team, marketing, and more!” Further, it is not fair to direct your irritation about the process at your recruiter. Hannah urges, “recruiters are humans – be kind.”

Ready to get connected with a Premier recruiter? Fill out the form below!

How to Maintain Professional Boundaries in Nursing

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Emily Burton

It’s no secret that the nurse-patient dynamic is a unique one. Part of being a great nurse is having the ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion with patients without crossing the line of professionalism. To provide the best care, clinicians must protect the caregiver-to-patient relationship by establishing and maintaining strong professional boundaries in nursing. Here is a quick guide of these boundaries and how to respect them while interacting with patients.

Why Have Professional Boundaries in Nursing?

Professional boundaries in nursing exist in nursing for the safety of patients. While building rapport with a patient, it is very important to keep professional boundaries in mind so that both parties feel comfortable within the caregiver-patient dynamic. Healthcare workers are required to perform their duties according to the best interest of the patient at all times, and since patients meet nurses while they are in extremely vulnerable states, boundaries exist to protect them. To ensure patients’ safety, nurses are responsible for creating and upholding these professional boundaries during every encounter.

What are Professional Boundaries in Nursing?

According to the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN), “Professional boundaries are the spaces between the nurse’s power and the patient’s vulnerability.” When nurses cross professional boundaries — whether intentional or unintentional — it puts the nurses’ needs above those of the patient. Examples of crossing professional boundaries in nursing may include:

Sharing personal or intimate information.
Flirting or inappropriate touching.
Keeping secrets with or for patients.
Acting as if you are the only one who can care for or understand the patient, positioning yourself as the “super nurse.”
Showing favoritism by spending more time with a patient than necessary, taking sides in disagreements among family members, or performing personal favors outside of your scope of work.
Complaining, joking, or speaking negatively about your employer or colleagues to patients or family.
Meeting with patients outside of work in areas where direct patient care is not being offered.
Posting about a patient encounter on social media.
Partaking in an act of omission or commission, which refers to any instance where the nurse fails to act in a manner that benefits the patient or threatens their well-being.

Violating Professional Boundaries in Nursing

Crossing the lines of professional boundaries can create severe consequences for the patient. A patient’s outlook on their care team can change dramatically after professional boundaries are crossed. Whether the boundary crossed was physical, mental, or emotional, a patient’s care and progress can be inhibited by the actions of their nurse. They may start to view their nurse as someone beyond the scope of the nurse’s duties, such as a therapist, confidante, friend, or even lover. While many nurses have big hearts, the sentimental bonds formed with patients should not extend beyond the purview of the healthcare facility. Inappropriate patient relationships can alter the patient’s view on sentimental bonds, emotional distances, moral obligations, or personal responsibilities. These altered expectations, which are not authentic and cannot be sustained, typically result in both mental and physical stress for the patient and can interfere with their current health condition.

In addition, inappropriate nurse-patient interactions can cause potential lasting trauma to the patient. When a vulnerable patient is subjected to unlawful actions by nurses including: inappropriate touch, battery, or HIPAA violations, it can cause or exacerbate medical trauma. Medical trauma is defined as a “set of psychological and physiological responses to pain, injury, serious illness, medical procedures and frightening treatment experiences.” Many patients who experience medical trauma avoid hospitals or resist receiving care due to their past negative experiences.

The consequences of crossing professional boundaries are also serious for nurses. According to the NCSBN, “Crossing professional boundaries and violating the nurse practice act can be the cause of professional discipline and termination of employment.” Further, more severe violations of crossing professional boundaries can result in loss of licensure, criminal charges, fines, and even jail time. The repercussions for violating professional boundaries can also go beyond professional chastisement and lead to nurse burnout and turnover, compassion fatigue, and negative mental health outcomes.

How to Uphold Professional Boundaries in Nursing

To keep professional boundaries securely intact, consider the following:

Treat all patients with dignity and respect and consistently put their needs first.
Dress, speak, and behave in a professional manner to reinforce that the nursing profession consists of specialized knowledge that is carried out within a specific scope of practice.
Keep all patient and family information confidential, speaking to colleagues about patients only when necessary and seeking patient information on a “need to know” basis. Additionally, steer clear from sharing even veiled references of patients or clinical care on social media.
Nurses who work with less supervision should take extra precautions to maintain professional boundaries, stepping back and evaluating personal behaviors more often if necessary.

Professional boundaries are supported by the values, principles, and standards of the codes of ethics for nurses. Examples of the national codes of ethics for nurses come from the American Nurses Association (ANA). Reviewing these codes can help you gain more clarity around your professional position and help you in maintaining professional boundaries in nursing.

How to Stand Out on a Nursing Job Board According to Premier Recruiters

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Emily Burton

Nursing job boards are an inevitable part of the job searching process for any clinician. While it may seem like creating a profile on a job board is like throwing your resume into the ether, you’d be surprised to know that recruiters thoroughly scour these boards in search of candidates to place in contract jobs. So, we asked the recruiters at Premier what they look for when looking for clinicians on a nursing job board and what you can do to make your profile stand out.

Make Sure Your Resume is Up-To-Date

Premier recruiter Brianna says that “an updated resume with a specific description or list of duties, highlighting unique experience” is what makes a clinician stand out on a nursing job board. Sarah notes: “so often we see clinicians upload resumes that are from a year or more ago and it can make the process take longer for the recruiter and clinician because we have to stop and update those.” Director of Recruitment, Russ, also mentions the importance of identifying any gaps of employment on your resume: “Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or staying at home with the kids… if you have a gap, list what you were doing instead of leaving it up to the reader.” For more nursing resume tips, head to this blog post.

Make Your Availability Crystal Clear

Having your availability and desired start date clearly visible to the recruiter is a great way to get noticed on a nursing job board. Premier recruiter Sarah says that “having available start dates and any requested time off noted on their job board profile helps recruiters prioritize those that are looking to start right away, in one month, so on and so forth.” It is important to make clear whether you are actively looking for a position ASAP or casually looking ahead for your next role in a few months, so your recruiter has a good idea of your timeline.

Tell Your Story

A great piece of advice for setting up your nursing job board profile is to ensure your resume reads like a story. Russ, Premier’s Director of Recruitment advises: “Be deliberate in your storytelling. Elaborate on what successes or experiences one role offered that propelled you into the next one.” Make your profile personal to you by including pieces of information that separate you from the other clinicians. Hannah says: “Something that stands out for me is when clinicians talk about what motivates them to travel. Travel contracts are typically only 3 days a week. I like to know what the clinician does the other 4 days a week and why they choose to travel.” This will help whoever is reading your profile understand the full picture of who you are as a job candidate.

Always Upload Your Licenses and Other Credentials

One of the top traps that many applicants fall into is forgetting to include their licensure or other documents when submitting their information to a nursing job board. Lauren K. mentions that “licenses in other locations or a compact license” are key to include in a job board profile, especially if you are looking for a travel nursing contract. Having all your documents readily accessible by a recruiter is what really makes you stand out on a nursing job board. Recruiter Leigh says: “Have as much stuff uploaded as possible. This includes your vaccine cards, certifications, and licenses. We always look for a nurse’s license when looking at candidates.”

Be Flexible and Responsive

Two “soft skills” that are extremely important to keep in mind when using a nursing job board are flexibility and responsiveness. Lauren P. says: “I’d have to say something that really stands out to me if someone who is flexible and shows that from the start!” Cailey adds, “quick responses are a great way to get noticed by a recruiter.”

Want to get connected with a healthcare recruiter? Look no further! Apply with Premier here:

Ways to Enrich Your Nursing Career

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Emily Burton

In the fast-paced world of medicine, it can be difficult to remain up-to-date with current trends in nursing. Between completing long shifts, combating burnout, and finding new professional opportunities, nurses can use all the resources they can get in order to enrich and grow their careers. Here is a short list of where to begin whether you’re rediscovering your passion for nursing, growing your professional network, or becoming an expert in your specialty.

Join a Professional Organization

Professional nursing organizations can be valuable resources for nurses in terms of networking and professional development. A professional organization exists to advance a particular profession, support the interests of people working in that profession and serve the public good. They can help nurses maintain practice proficiency and keep professional knowledge up-to-date. Professional nursing organizations can also present a united voice of advocacy in the community and represent the objectives of the members. The American Nursing Association, International Council of Nurses, and the National Black Nurses Association are some examples of professional nursing orgs.

Attend Conferences and Networking Events

Professional nursing conferences are where cutting-edge developments in the field are first showcased to the world. At these conferences, nurses can learn about the latest innovations as well as discuss new concepts and current events in nursing. With the opportunity to attend seminars by renowned speakers, exchange ideas with other medical professionals, and make introductions to potential new employers, conferences are invaluable resources to nurses, especially to enrich your nursing career. Healthcare Traveler’s Take is a conference that focuses on providing new opportunities to travel nurses, so if that’s up your alley, learn more about it here!

Subscribe and Listen to Podcasts

Podcasting is one of the fastest growing media types in the world and provides easy access to new information for nurses. You can listen on-the-go; whether you’re commuting to work or on your lunch break, you can easily tune in and stay on top of industry trends. Check out our list of 5 favorite nursing podcasts for a few ideas of where to start!

Dive Into Peer-Reviewed Journals

Peer-reviewed journals are how most medical research reaches professionals, and they’re available to nurses so they can stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. Nurses can choose from tax-deductible publications dedicated to a wide range of topics from cardiology to infectious disease. Available in print or online, these scholarly articles cover the latest technological and treatment advances and offer tips for integrating them into a nurse’s practice. A good place to start is the American Journal of Nursing, a free resource where you can start reading in-depth about whatever concepts pique your interest.

Tune Into a Webinar in Your Specialty

Professional development can easily be done from home with the help of webinars. Stay current on the latest evidence-based learning and clinical practices by simply logging on to a webinar in your specialty—there are plenty to choose from. These educational sessions offer knowledge and tools to enhance patient outcomes and are available live or on-demand. Check out a list of 2022 nursing webinars here.

5 of Our Favorite Nursing Podcasts

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Emily Burton

Podcasts are fantastic tools for professional development and feeling connected in the healthcare community. Whether you’re on your commute to work, doing laundry or dishes, or cooking a meal, a podcast is the perfect accompaniment. Here are five of our favorite nursing podcasts.

Good Nurse Bad Nurse

Good Nurse Bad Nurse is a podcast for RNs who love interesting and thought-provoking stories from the field. In each episode, the podcast hosts, nurses Tina and Sam, take turns telling true stories about life as an RN. One story, told by the “good nurse” will be uplifting and inspiring. The other story, told by the “bad nurse,” will typically explore the darker side of the healthcare field—such as complications, mistakes, and dangers on the job. This podcast discusses hot-button issues in the medical field, and sometimes even true crime. It also features special guests and interviews with medical personnel. If you’re looking for a gripping yet fun podcast, with just the right amount of light-heartedness, check out Good Nurse Bad Nurse.

The Nurse Keith Show

For nurses who want a podcast that focuses mainly on career advice, check out The Nurse Keith Show. Nurse Keith is a registered nurse, board-certified nursing coach, and specialist in holistic healing. The Nurse Keith Show helps nurses make informed career choices and explores the ins and outs of achieving your goals as a healthcare professional. In addition to career coaching, the podcast also explores current events in the medical field and inspiring guest interviews.

Nursing Uncensored

Nursing Uncensored is an edgier podcast for the RN who loves (sometimes dark) humor. The podcast is hosted by Adrienne Behning, a registered nurse and entertainer who believes in bringing a little levity into the conversation about healthcare. With everything nurses go through on a weekly basis, Adrienne believes you have to laugh sometimes to get through the difficult parts of the job. With interviews, relatable stories, and the occasional curse word, Nursing Uncensored is for healthcare professionals who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is.

Bad Decisions with Katie Duke

Motivational speaker and nurse practitioner Katie Duke hosts a podcast that shares stories of both struggle and success. In her show, Katie pushes boundaries to explore the life decisions that don’t always turn out like you expect. In a society that glorifies perfection, nobody wants to reveal their bad decisions. “Bad Decisions” shifts the conversation to prove the importance of owning your failures as a necessity to success, especially in the nursing world.

Real Talk School of Nursing

The Real Talk School of Nursing podcast is a bit different from the other podcasts on this list. That’s because, instead of focusing on life on the job, it focuses on life around the job. This podcast is for nurses who want to hear relatable discussions about balancing their work as a nurse practitioner and personal life. Real Talk School of Nursing also interviews professionals in the medical field and discusses personal experiences in this line of work.

Looking to start a new chapter in your nursing career? Apply for a travel RN contract with Premier!

A Guide to the Best Nursing Shoes

Posted on October 25, 2021 by Emily Burton

While a lot has changed in the nursing world over the years, one thing remains the same: the job still requires clinicians to be standing and/or walking for hours on end. Lots of nurses experience back and foot pain as a result of being on their feet for 12 hours at a time, which is why their choice in footwear can be crucial to getting them through their day. We have taken the guesswork out of picking out decent nursing shoes and selected a few pairs that are guaranteed to help you make it through your shift pain-free.

On Cloudflow Sneakers

Swiss brand “On” prides themselves on their signature CloudTec technology that is designed to make the wearer feel as if they are walking on air, which is why they are so popular among nurses. They make a great everyday slip-on sneaker that is both trendy and highly comfortable. Many nurses prefer to add a little pop of color to their scrubs, and the color selection is great for customizing your sneaker to your favorite scrubs.

On CloudFlow Sneakers

Dansko Clogs

The clog has become a staple in many nurses’ wardrobes. These comfy Dansko clogs offer plenty of support and even mold to the wearer’s foot after broken in. The best part? You can pick and choose the patterns and designs of the shoe to fit your personality.

Dansko Clogs

Nurse Mates Dorin Shoe

There’s nothing more iconic than a white nursing shoe. The Dorin Shoe by Nurse Mates boasts a modern take on a classic style and is designed specifically for nurses. They have great lumbar and arch support while also being sleek enough to wear both in and out of scrubs.

Nike Air Zoom Pulse

Nike’s Air Zoom Pulse sneakers were built specifically with clinicians in mind. The outsole is designed to maintain good traction on wet or dry surfaces, which is key when navigating in a hospital setting. Not to mention that the slip-on style is just as easy to take on and off as a clog.

Nike Air Zoom Pulse

Clove Shoes

Cloves are well-loved in the healthcare community, and for good reason. Not only are they endlessly comfortable, but their secret weapon is how easy they are to keep clean. Cloves are best known for being fluid-resistant, which in the medical world, is a huge draw. This shoe has been heavily researched and tested by nurses, so you know it’s a good one.

Clove Nursing Shoes

Allbirds

Allbirds are a great all-around shoe for the nurse who loves keeping up with the latest trends. These shoes are actually made of wool and are super-light, making them a popular go-to nursing shoe.

Allbirds

Hoka One Arahi 4

Hoka is a brand that is commonly worn in the medical field and has been promoted for their ability to provide ultimate levels of comfort and support. These Hoka One Arahi 4 sneakers are ideal shoes for nurses due to their ability to provide great lumbar support and cushioning. They rose to popularity as nursing shoes because of their Meta-Rocker technology:” the U-shaped, or “rocker”-like midsole allows for smoother impacts and pace transitions.

Hoka One Arahi 4

Why Continuing Education for Nurses Is Important

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Premier Medical Staffing Services

Looking for information on continuing education for nurses? First, read this guest blog post from Raelene Jessica and then check out the links below.

As we enter the second year of restrictions and lockdowns, healthcare workers are still in high demand. Nurses are being spread thin and it has caused a critical shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 1.1 million new nurses are needed by next year (2022).

Because they will continue to play such a significant role in the future, nurses can benefit by looking into continuing education (CE). Though it may seem difficult right now due to extra workload and restrictions, there are several options for busy nurses that provide long-term benefits.

How Nurses Can Pursue Continuing Education

Some colleges offer weekend and night classes for in-person learning. For instance, St. Catherine University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that limits daytime commitments. Such courses offer a hands-on teaching method that can be helpful for those who are hoping to refresh their skills.

Continue reading →

Healthcare Worker Discounts 2021

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Premier Medical Staffing Services

This past year, our nation’s healthcare workers have shown us what strength, courage and sacrifice really mean. To show our gratitude for all their hard work, we have compiled a list of healthcare worker discounts from some of our favorite merchants and vendors. Keep reading to find out all the places where you can make your dollar go farther.

Healthcare Worker Discounts: Bags & Blankets

Big Blanket Co
Big Blanket Co is offering military members, first responders, medical professionals and teachers a special promotion code. Professional verification via VerifyPass is required to redeem this offer.