Travel Nursing & Allied Life

In this episode, we sit down with Zac Shephard, a seasoned ICU travel nurse and Aya Healthcare's Nurse Fellow, to explore his fascinating journey from bedside care to his new role enhancing the clinician experience at Aya. With nearly 30 assignments across 20 hospitals, Zac shares his valuable life lessons from the road, how travel nursing shaped his personal and professional life, and the challenges he faced during the pandemic. Tune in as Zac discusses the evolving landscape of travel nursing, why Aya’s flexibility is a game-changer, and his advice for those embarking on their first travel assignment.

In this episode, Fusion Medical Staffing showcases how they are reshaping the traveler experience. Members of their Traveler Experience team share their approach to collecting valuable feedback and providing personalized support to travelers on assignment. Get a sneak peek into Fusion Medical Staffing’s upcoming Pathfinder Perks loyalty program and learn how their new app will streamline job searches and enhance engagement. Tune in to discover how Fusion Medical Staffing is listening to their travelers to help build a stronger, more connected community.

Podcast Participants:

Alyx Smeal, Digital Customer Experience Analyst at Fusion Medical Staffing

Thea Circo, Director of Traveler Experience at Fusion Medical Staffing

Shanna Shore Matthews, Director of Client and Vendor Experience at Fusion Medical Staffing

Leah Kemple, Senior Public Relations Strategist at Fusion Medical Staffing

In this episode of our podcast, Steve Curtin, CEO of TravCon and The Gypsy Nurse, sits down with Jeff Shaffar, CEO of Ventura MedStaff, to explore the essential housing resources available for traveling healthcare professionals. With over 15 years of healthcare staffing experience and a passion for supporting travelers, Jeff shares valuable insights into navigating the challenges of finding housing on the road.

Listeners will learn about the evolution of housing support from staffing agencies, the current options available, and the biggest hurdles travelers face, such as finding affordable and pet-friendly accommodations. Jeff introduces Ventura MedStaff's "Housing Toolkit," offering tips and resources to help healthcare professionals secure the best housing for their assignments. From furnished accommodations to hotel-style living and apartment-style housing, Jeff provides a comprehensive guide to the resources available, including pro tips for making the housing search more manageable.

Steve and Jeff also discuss strategies for avoiding housing scams, the importance of local insights, and advice for those traveling with pets. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to the world of healthcare assignments, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you find your home away from home.

Tune in to discover how Ventura MedStaff is positively changing lives by supporting healthcare professionals every step of the way. For more details, visit their blog "Traveler Housing Resources" at venturamedstaff.com, or reach out to one of their recruiters for personalized assistance.

In this episode, we sit down with Bridget Donahue, Director of Recruiting at Prolink Staff, to explore the growing demand and rising pay rates for Allied travelers. Bridget shares her expert insights into the most sought-after skillsets and locations for Allied professionals in today’s market. She also offers valuable advice on certifications and strategies that can enhance your appeal as an Allied traveler, according to Prolink’s clients. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this episode provides the tools you need to thrive in the competitive world of Allied health travel.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Shannon McPeek, a dedicated neonatal ICU nurse and the visionary founder of Operation Happy Nurse. Shannon shares her personal battle with work-related anxiety, a struggle that many nurses face but few openly discuss. Her experience inspired her to create a supportive community aimed at combating the mental health challenges within the nursing profession.

Tune in as we explore Shannon’s journey from overwhelmed nurse to mental health advocate. Learn about the mission and growth of Operation Happy Nurse, the current challenges in nursing, and strategies to improve mental well-being in healthcare. Shannon also reflects on her past experiences at TravCon and offers valuable advice for nurses navigating the pressures of the job. Discover how you can connect with Operation Happy Nurse and become part of this empowering movement.

Join host Rachel Altum as she chats with travel nursing experts Reva Lewis, Natalie Dobrijevic, and Brandy Pinkerton about their top five must-have items to pack for TravCon this year. Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, these tips will ensure you're fully prepared for the ultimate travel healthcare conference. From essential gear to unexpected items that might surprise you, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you make the most of your TravCon experience.

About the Guests:

Reva Lewis:

Reva Lewis began her nursing career at Mississippi’s only academic medical center as an adult medical surgical nurse. Realizing her true passion lay elsewhere, she quickly transitioned to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she currently practices. Seeking better opportunities beyond Mississippi, Reva discovered travel nursing, which opened the door to fulfilling her career aspirations. Her journey in the NICU and as a travel nurse has provided her with unique insights she shares in this episode.  (@revamoments)

Natalie Dobrijevic:

With a decade of nursing experience and four years in travel nursing, Natalie Dobrijevic has completed ten assignments, always choosing destinations that offer stunning mountain views or serene ocean landscapes. When not on the road, Natalie enjoys wine tasting, boutique shopping, and relaxing with a bath bomb. This year, she’s excited to attend TravCon in Las Vegas, ready to connect with other professionals and share her packing secrets. (@natdee_xo/)

Brandy Pinkerton:

Named Nurse.Org’s Most Inspirational Nurse of the Year in 2023, Brandy Pinkerton is a Nurse Educator and Mentor at Travel Nurse 101 with over 21 years of experience. Her extensive background includes neonatal and pediatric ICU, critical care float pool, flight nursing, and travel nursing across various states. Outside of nursing, Brandy is an avid traveler, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast, bringing a wealth of practical advice to this episode on preparing for TravCon. (@travnurse101)

Get ready to elevate your Las Vegas experience at TravCon 2024! In this must-listen episode, join Steve Curtin, CEO of TravCon and The Gypsy Nurse, and Online Community Manager, Rachel Altum, as they sit down with Timothy Glanzer, Chief Elevation Officer of Elevated Meeting Solutions. With over 28 years of leadership experience at MGM Resorts International and a successful track record in event management, Timothy shares insider tips on making the most of your time in Vegas during TravCon.

Explore why Las Vegas remains the ultimate destination for TravCon year after year, discover must-see attractions and activities, and learn how to take your TravCon experience to the next level. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will help you maximize your time in the Entertainment Capital of the World.