As travel nurses you know that there may be times when you are between assignments, whether it is because of the current economy, you just need a breather or are just having a hard time finding the perfect travel nursing job, well this site just might be of help. It is written and managed by three nurses and offers advice on careers, life, bling, nursing school, and scholarships. So you can see it has a broad appeal to nurses of all ages and stages in their careers. It is a nursing website definitely worth checking out. Let me know what you think.

The net is abuzz over this show and for many a reason, just read what the blog Reality Rounds has to say… She makes some great points and so do those who comment. Check out Emergiblog as well!

As you may have guessed, the stink is over how an ER nurse is being portrayed in the show. It stars Edie Falco as the lead and if you haven’t lived in a cave for the last decade, you should remember her from her award winning performances as Carmela Soprano on the show the Soprano’s. From what I’ve seen in the trailer, it’s your typical formula of one character who stands up for her colleagues and does and says everything that goes against the grain, but of course with a twist, she’s an painkiller sniffin’ addict. Saint! Sinner! Plus, it’s billed as a comedy, at least by Showtime’s standards! All I can say, it’s Hollywood and it’s all about entertainment value.

I hear the complaints and they are all valid. Some say that it does nothing to promote the stature of nurses because they show Nurse Jackie in the closet doing unmentionables and sniffing painkillers and so on. It seems cliche, but I bet you it has happened more than you’d like to believe and that to me is more life like. I’m just saying, we all have our skeletons. It’s Showtime for crying out loud! You think that a pay-TV cable network that has aired controversial shows like “Weeds” and the “L Word” would broadcast a show about a nurse who just does her job well and then goes home to cook supper and maybe take a bike ride? I don’t think so. Who wants to watch that? Has there ever been a show without being a “reality” show, that really shows life as it is? That’s what TV and movies are all about, an escape from reality. Just like one of the nurses who was invited to the screening said, “I wish I had the guts to say the things she says at work.”

Maybe Nurse Jackie’s lifestyle does not mirror that of yours, but there probably are some elements to it that you wish you possessed. Who knows, this show just may inspire nurses to take a stand and get what they deserve, more respect. I’m not trying to take any sides here, like I said I understand all the grumblings… Believe me, if there were ever a show about my job, I’m sure I’d have plenty to say too! Let’s just wait and watch what unfolds… Are you going to tune in?

There are other medical centered shows debuting on other networks as well. NBC will try two approaches at replacing “ER”: “Trauma” replicates the high energy and blood-and-guts of “ER” in a story about paramedics in San Francisco, while “Mercy” channels “Grey’s Anatomy” by focusing on three gorgeous nurses. Wow, those sound groundbreaking too!

You know what would be cool? If there was a sitcom-like show with traveling nurses! Just think, the setting would always change, for one season they can be in the big city and the next in this little rural town. All these different scenarios could really lend itself to some great stories! Of all the travelers out there, I bet each has at least 5 stories that could make up an episode, couple that with the addition of some friends tagging along for the trips. Let’s see, 2 female nurses and 1 male nurse all on these different adventures together. Kind of like a “Three’s Company” for nurses. I think it’s gold! Gold Jerry! You heard it hear first, if this show gets developed, I should be given credit!

Please by all means, send in your comments about the upcoming shows. I want to know what you think and maybe together we can craft a show that would appeal to everyone!

1. See new places
   It is hard for many people to travel the world, let alone travel across the country. By traveling with an agency, they will pay for you to go to the places you want to go. Travel nursing gives you the opportunity and the break needed to make a life change.
2. Freedom and flexibility
   Have the ability to choose when you want to work. You can always take time off between assignments to give yourself a break, and once you are ready to jump back in the saddle there will be an assignment ready for you.
3. Professional growth
   Each assignment allows you to continue to learn, since each place you go to will teach you something new. This allows you to not get stuck in the same routine when treating patients.
4. Job security
   There is always a need for nurses in the travel nurse industry because of the nursing shortage. Hospitals everywhere are in need of nurses; there is always a place for you to go.
5. Meet new people
   Staying in the same location can make it hard to meet new people, since you are stuck in the same routine every day. Travel nursing will force you to meet new people every time you go on a new assignment.
6. Make more money
   Traveling as a nurse allows you to make and save more money.  You will be able to save your money from working given that you don’t have to pay rent or many bills.
7. No workplace politics
   Since you will be a temp not perm, you will not have to deal with the everyday workplace politics. You can just focus on giving good patient care while working.
8. Networking
   Having the opportunity to travel around and meet new people allows you to network too. The more people you know in your field the better, so when you do need help finding a job or just a place to stay when traveling to a new  assignment you have someone to ask.
9. No burn out
   Having a long term job at a hospital can become tiring while you are waiting for your PTO. As a traveling nurse you will have as much time between assignments as you want, and you can pick your length of assignments giving you control of your career.
10. Discover new interests/hobbies
    Living in a new environment allows you to try new things. Different places have their own popular hobbies in the area. From snow skiing on the mountain tops, swimming in the ocean or hiking through the canyons.