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The boy scouts might claim to be the most prepared group, but I think if you put a few nurses in a room together, you’d have an entirely different opinion of what it truly means to be prepared. As a new nurse, I could never have anticipated just how helpful my nursing gear would be in completing my job, especially during emergencies. About to start your first travel nurse position? Here are five things that a successful nurse can’t live without:

Ah,Washington State, the land of Puget Sound and Starbucks Coffee. Whether you're assigned to a hospital in Seattle or you're picking up an assignment in Olympia or any of the smaller Washington cities, you're likely to fall in love with something. There's nature, there's culture, there's great food, there are concerts and sports and ferry rides and so much more. When you have a little downtime, here are our top seven suggestions for things to do in Washington.

Sometimes it seems like your path is paved before you and you know exactly where to go and how to get there. Other times it’s a little less clear. You have an idea or a place you want to be, but if you are making a big change and you aren’t sure about it, what are some tools to make the decision making process easier?

Busy days. Stressful days. Days that fly by in the blink of an eye. Sad days. Being a nurse requires you to be ready for whatever type of day is thrown your way. You honestly never know for sure what you will be dealing with or walking into when you show up at the hospital for your shift. Every nurse has their preference for what they consider their favorite days on the job. – Miranda Blecher, Guest Blogger

Does it ever seem like some people are wired for change while others resist every step? When you think about Travel Nursing you may think it’s only full of those who find change exhilarating and exciting. While those might be the nurses that fall into the role easily, Travel Nursing is also an industry full of those who push through their nerves and fears and become Travel Nurses to drive themselves in new ways.

Are you thinking about taking the leap but unsure about your adaptability to change?

Because I worked as a travel nurse, I have dealt with many doctors throughout my career. When you start any assignment as a nurse, you learn quickly about the different doctors you will be working with. For example, this one never calls back right away; this one is very attentive with his patients; this physician rounds early every morning; etc.

Sally Keskey Before I jumped into travel nursing I was given a temporary assignment performing physicals in a corporate setting. Not sure what I was getting into but wanting the compensation while I sorted out a longer assignment, I agreed to the gig and headed to work. What I realized immediately is that my nursing professors were right: there really are thousands of ways to be a nurse.

Decompressing After a Ridiculously Long Shift
Sally Keskey

It happens to all of us: While you’re wrapping up your shift by charting those few notes left uncharted, emptying Foley bags that are threatening to burst, and dreaming of your bed after what was a productive but harried shift, your supervisor approaches from the wings.

Packing is the worst. You have to figure out what you need, where you'll put it and how to fit it all into the least amount of luggage possible. If you're going on a travel nurse assignment you need to figure out how many seasons to pack for and what other household necessities you’ll need to bring. Will you be flying with a few bags, or driving with several? How can you bring all the necessary items without overloading yourself? How will you find the time to get everything packed?