Month: May 2016

Asian and Korean Fashion Style

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Fashion is an ever changing concept. Fashion lies icon style, fashion lies in presentation, fashion lies in the way you talk and also on the way you perceive things. style changes from country to country. The concept is differently practiced in different places depending on the climate and choice of the general population.

When talking about Asian style you have so much to say and so many things to present. Asian influence on fashion genre has increased with days. Several Asian countries have now entered fashion competitions to prove their likeness and respect towards impending fashion. Before they used to dot upon local markets and now they want to reach out to international fashion bazaars. They have crossed the lines and have always tried to come up with something new and extraordinary. This is what Asian style all about is. Lots of Asian designers are flooding the international fashion market with their innovations and fashionable endeavors. Most Indian designers are trying to mix and match traditionalism with contemporary fashion to make something really pleasing and appreciable.

Korean style is a more restricted one. They really find it hard to move out from their respective boundaries and present the world with something new and unique. Korean fabrics are excellent and they are enough to give other cloth materials a tough fight. Korean people have a legendary fashion history. They like to rule with conventional styles among contemporary fashion lovers. Korean fashion designers are hard workers. There is no scope of any kind of loop holes in the kind of design they are presenting the world. It is only that they are not so much interested in experimenting with their age old authentic fashion. They love the way they have always been. They dislike breaking rules and this is what Korean fashion is all about.

After the Koreans the Japanese to are not far behind. They have a host of their personal collections as well. Japanese fashion designers are both amazing and exceptional. Japanese fashion reflects both culture and soul. Its fashion reflects Japanese tradition and history. Japanese fashion is a perfect mixture of the past and the present. Starting from their traditional kimono ton contemporary western style outfits the Japanese fashion conscious population has always made a mark in fashion industry. Japanese fashion is not about flaunting.

They have silently presented the international market with world class designs. Japanese are extremely fashion conscious people because they believe in out and out enrichment with age, time and style. However, they hate unnecessary experimenting with uniqueness because they believe that what is traditional is always pure and trusted. Thus the world of international fashion has a lot to learn from Japanese fashion conscious people. They have presented the world with a different and exemplary STYLE STATEMENT.

Apartment Locator VS Apartment Database Search! What’s Best For You?

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Let’s start with the fact that 80% of all searches start on line, that being said when you do a search on Google or Yahoo for the terms “rental apartments” or “apartments for rent” you are faced with two basic options; apartment locator that offers their free service ether from their internet sites or using classified ad postings and other internet sites that offer the use of an apartment database. Which is the best for you? Well, that depends on what your needs and wants are and whether you like the “do it yourself” apartment hunting or being helped by a professional Apartment locator.

The Apartment Locator: If you are relocating to a new area or a new city, a place you are unfamiliar with, you don’t know the neighborhoods, schools, job centers, transportation, etc, the apartment locator may be your best choice.They respond to your request by phone or email (you decide) to ask you some details about your ideal apartment. You want to give them as much information about your wants and need as far as: budget, date of move part of town and more. The apartment locator is knowledgeable about the area of his local rental market. They will be very helpful in finding you rental property that suits your particular needs, best of all, in most cases this will be a totally free service. The apartment locator is normally paid “finder’s fee” or “referral fee” from the landlord apartment complex or landlord.

The Apartment Database Search: Unlike apartment locators, the typical apartment database offers an extensive choice of apartment listings. You can read the descriptions of apartment communities see maps, amenities, rent ranges, photos of inside and out and in some cases contact information. All this information helps you understand if a particular rental apartment or complex meet your needs and wants. If you like the “Do it yourself” method an apartment database site might be the one for you. Most require a simple registration which asks for name email and date of move. You do not submit your telephone number and you will not be contacted personally by anyone.

Same as apartment locator, most apartment database are free to use, in some cases you are even offered an Apartment Rebate of $100.00 or more if you tell the property you visit and/or lease that you where sent by a specific referring source ( apartment locating database or website). So, which is better for you? The apartment locator or the apartment database?

Favorite Home Furniture Styles

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While the glossy pages of home decorating magazines may feature headlines like “Black Walls for Drama” or “Create Your Own Vampire Nest,” most people tend to avoid trendy fads that may soon look outdated, preferring instead to surround themselves with furnishings that better reflect their own personal sense of style, taste and family history. Here are four favorite home furniture styles that are sure to stand the test of time:

Traditional

Traditional decorating styles typically include house furniture that has a sense of history. Classic lines, timeless designs and an extensive use of fine woods and fabrics are all hallmarks of traditional decorating styles. Although furniture with English, Neoclassical and Colonial designs are popular choices, traditional rooms often incorporate home furniture from several different historical periods. Color, material and texture may inform furniture choices more than any single decorating style. Home furniture stores generally offer a broad selection of traditional furniture, from leather sofas to elegant wood dining room sets.

Casual

Comfort is the primary concern of casual decorating styles. House furniture is chosen both for function and relaxation. The best casual furniture will not only withstand the nicks and spills of family living, but will help establish the atmosphere of ease and comfort that best suits family life. In addition to traditional materials like wood and leather, casual furniture may feature cane, wicker and modern materials like vinyl, stainless steel and chrome. Casual furnishings suit homes decorated in Country, Garden, Cottage and Rustic decorating styles.

Contemporary

Contemporary furniture features strong lines, shapes and forms. Polished surfaces, functional fabrics and man-made materials are characteristics of contemporary decorating styles. Streamlined sofas, chairs and tables suggest energy and movement, making the contemporary style a good choice for those with active lifestyles. While contemporary color schemes are generally neutral, they can include accent pieces that provide pops of color. The contemporary style makes great use of light, both functionally and aesthetically, and lighting fixtures with sculptural qualities are popular choices for rooms decorated in contemporary styles.

Eclectic

Eclectic styles mix and match furniture from other decorating styles at will, aiming for a style that looks as if it were assembled over time, with furnishings collected from extensive shopping excursions, either near or far. Texture and color play primary roles in eclectic furniture styles. Deeply-piled seating in strong colors, and upholstered wood pieces with strong detailing, are both popular choices for rooms decorated in eclectic styles. Eclectic styles may feature components from more exotic decorating styles, such as Moroccan, Tropical or Asian styles.

When choosing a furniture style, personal taste matters. Surrounding yourself with furniture that you love is the best way to create rooms that you will enjoy inhabiting. Furniture styles provide options for presenting rooms with a unified, cohesive look. Each decorating style presents its own atmosphere as well. When shopping at online or at brick-and-mortar home furniture stores, look for furniture that not only looks good, but that establishes the right mood too.

Mosaic Wall Designs Tiles – The Easiest Remodeling Technique!

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Mosaic Wall Designs Tiles remodeling provides a unique opportunity for you to change any room setting natural, relaxing, and special. One of the most exciting things about these panels is how nature ‘sculptured’ each stone for millions of years transforming it decorative and appealing. The following quick review describes the latest information about how you can quickly and easily remodel any surface at home.

Overview

What makes this one-of-a-kind Mosaic Wall Designs Tiles redecoration technique so special is the fact that it is created by fixing together seamless flat stones attached onto a 12″ mesh backing, thus providing that seamless desired tile. It is probably about the unique natural conditions that made the Indonesian beach pebbles the leading source of these ‘Nature-Made’ tiles. Practically, it enables you to coat any desired surface you choose: Bathroom flooring and wall coating (including showers), kitchen surfaces such as counter-tops & backsplashes, patios, pools and even fireplaces.

What are the main benefits?

There are many benefits for using this solution; here are the most important ones:

* Quick & easy installation that doesn’t require any special skills or professional background.

* Feels comfortable to walk on.

* Made of natural and durable stones that hold for many years ahead.

Useful advice!

* When you prepare the grout avoid adding too much water in the initial mix – that additional water can result in weak grout that can flake.

* Make sure the surface you are about to tile is flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants.

* Epoxy based grouts are considered stronger than conventional grout, however take in mind that they are less forgiving to the ignorant installer.

We could list many other important benefits provided by this quick solution simply because any average and unprofessional home-maker can do it easily by him/herself.

Final words

It can be quite fun and create a genuine feeling of pride when you work with this quick Mosaic Wall Designs Tiles solution. It is recommended to keep these tips and advice once you decide on installing these panels.

Travel Nursing Jobs As a Career Option

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If you are thinking of becoming a travel nurse then it is a viable career option as you will have more salary than the permanent and para diem nurses. If we look back then it is in the year1920 when traveling nursing jobs came into existence after the shortage for nurses was felt. It is the most popular career in USA as the demand for travel nurses is mounting owing to less number of nurses in specific regions. There are around 25,500 travel nurses in USA and about 340 US travel nurse companies. Travel nursing jobs are the short term nursing jobs (4 to 52 weeks) in which the nurses have to travel to different parts of the country. The contract that is outside the country is of longer period like one to two years.

Travel nursing job gives you the wonderful experience of meeting new people and enjoying different seasons and states of the country. Depending upon the project you can choose the period of stay in the travel nursing job. Like some nurses prefer to stay for one month other for one year.

How to become a traveling nurse?
To become a travel nurse one will have to complete the education from the affiliated nursing school to get the Registered Nurse degree. You can go for any of the following types of education

  • Four years BSN degree
  • Two years ADN program
  • Three years diploma

Along with this one must have the clinical experience of one year as a licensed nurse in the area of his or her specialization to get into traveling nursing jobs. It is recommended that you must get two to three years of experience for the International travel nursing jobs. The requirement of experience vary with the specialization. Like LPN/LVN requires three years of experience where as for Psychiatric nurse job, Med-Surg and Rehab you need the experience of two years to get travel nursing jobs. Also clearing NCLEX-RN exam is must in USA. Along with this you will have to get the license of that particular state. You travel nursing company will help you in getting that.

Apart from the education and experience you must have a charming personality, easy to adapt nature and good communication skills.

Traveling nurse jobs is obtained through the travel agency or travel nursing companies that are tied up with the hospitals. Travel nursing companies not only help you in finding the travel nursing jobs but will also help you with the relocation, housing and registration with local authorities. But you will have to be very careful while choosing the travel nurse company as the services provided vary a lot from company to company. So always ask for the entire services that travel nurse agency or company is going to provide while giving the travel nursing job to you. Do ask for clinical support, type of health insurance and 401(k), type of housing, salary and associated benefits, work assignments and loyalty programs.

You can tell your requirement of travel nurse job to your travel nurse company so that can find the best suitable match. You can start your travel nurse jobs after accepting and processing of your job offer. This can take one week to one month’s time.

Benefits of Traveling Nurse Jobs
First of all travel nurse salary is more than the registered nurse working in the same hospital. Apart from this travel nurse will get the housing facility while on work by the travel agencies with basic furnishings of washer dryers, dishwashers etc. Housing stipend is given to the nurses who choose to live independently of travel agency. The amount of stipend is more than the actual wages or it can be substantial.

Along with this the travel allowances are also paid by the travel agencies that but the coverage of the travel cost vary. So you must inquire about this things before getting travel nursing job. Tax advantages are also given if the nurse maintain tax home while working in the traveling nurse job.

Salary
Travel nursing pay vary a lot and generally changes with the location, hospital need, housing cost of the area and negotiation ability of the traveler. Like you will find more travel nurse salary if you are given travel nursing jobs in north or west America than the southern American States. The RN travel nurse salary can be $40 per hour whereas surgical technologists, respiratory therapist and LPN will get pay close to $28 per hour. Some of the hospitals and travel agencies also give bonus that can reach to $6,000 and given at the end of the assignment.

You can also begin your traveling nurse job with your friend or family. So no need to worry about anything to begin the adventurous career as a travel nurse.

Fashion, Style and Authenticity

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Youths fulfill an important function within society. Youths are frequently referenced as the future of a nation. The idea that the upcoming generations will achieve more than the previous generations is an important driver for political and social policies. However, despite their ultimately important role in human society, the legal and political status of youths is precarious. While they are fully human, they are not independent and they face significant limitations of their freedom imposed by their parents, elders and government.

In the young adult’s search for meaning and identity, both individually and within the larger societal context, words like “fashion,” “style,” and “authenticity” become highly significant. They do not merely refer to the trappings of style in clothing and personal appearance but to behavior, preferences, and choices as well. These concepts have become center points of Pakistani youth culture, because adolescents and young adults naturally seek definition and self-identity, making the idea of being in style and being authentic appealing. It gives adolescents and young adults a sense of belonging to their social group as well as a sense of self-identity.

Fitting into one’s social group is one of the most important components of youth culture, and a sense of style is one of the primary ways that youth achieve this. Style, especially, is a means for youth to not only define themselves but to define the boundaries of their group.

Interestingly, while youth like to think of themselves as independent and having a unique identity, the definition of style that they adopt is inevitably created by someone else and very often that “someone else” is a form of media. For instance, pop music is singularly formulaic in that it incorporates a standardized format of rising and falling notes, structure, and theme. Even alternative forms of music follow a specific format. Nevertheless, even within a standardized form, individuals create identity, both social and individual, through the choices they make regarding those forms. Using the ‘tool’ of style, then, youth culture defines itself by the choices it makes regarding the music, clothing, activities, and preferences.

Individual authenticity, on the other hand, can be compromised for the larger sense of group identity that style creates. Whereas some adolescents may not necessarily like the styles they see, they adopt them anyway, adhering to them because it helps them feel that sense of belonging.

Social and individual identity can coexist and commingle in everyday life. Nevertheless, very often problems arise because the young adult has a much stronger and well-defined sense of the identity of social groups, both their youth culture identity and that of the larger mainstream culture, than they do their own individual identity. Lacking this sense of meaning on an individual level, the styles and fashions of the social group disrupt their own authenticity by precluding individuality and the natural differences of opinion that arise between people. As a result of suppressing their own individuality or of mindlessly adhering to social norms, young adults can end up feeling hypocritical and meaningless.

Style, then, often supersedes authenticity in youth culture. Nevertheless, style can give young adults a sense of identity that they may not feel or know individually. Likewise, the choices that young adults make in style helps them form their individual identities through allowing them to present a unique expression of who they are and to what social group they belong. The relationship between style, authenticity, and youth culture is a dynamic one in which both the individual and the culture play an active role in the formation of identity and the expression of authenticity. While this balance between individual and social identity, between the activity of style on the individual and that of the individual’s authentic self, can and does get disrupted in the lives of young adults, the process of identity formation and individual expression continues unabated.

Perhaps more important is an implicit sweeping statement which runs throughout their lifetimes. Youths in their engagement with politics are essentially represented as either middle-of-the-road democrats, secular and absorbed into mainstream Western societies, or as radical and possibly violent. This is a gross over-simplification at best, but one which is unfortunately common to much supposedly expert opinion. The reality is that youths’ understanding of the relationship between their beliefs and their political engagements is as highly diverse as anyone else. One just needs to look on the Internet to get a taste of diversity: consider the thoroughly non-political Western-style pop videos of second – and third generation Europeans from the Indian subcontinent; European and North American youth who use punk, metal and experimental electronic music to express their uncompromising positions on Palestine, or who find no contradiction between being a radical bra-burning feminist. Similar range of expressions can be found in other e-contexts such as MySpace and Facebook, or indeed the Middle Eastern bloggers who have become central to the new media in the region. It can be considered an acute and the cumulative psychological effects of government, media, and social exclusion, and the resultant internal exile on the psychology of youth in the Diaspora.

Choosing the Right Nursing Home Furniture

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Nursing home furniture needs to fill a whole host of special needs: from its look, to its ease of cleaning and durability. The best furniture for nursing homes answers all three of these criteria affordably and well – allowing residents and temporary patients alike to live in the closest comfort they can to their own homes, whilst affording nursing staff the maneuverability and solidity they require in order to do their job effectively. As such, good furniture for these places presents quite a design and construction problem – though one, fortunately, that is being answered well by some new corporate furniture web sites: including the UK’s own Triangle Interiors.

Triangle, which has made a pretty successful business out of designing and supplying bulk furniture for conference centres and hospitals, has recently added a quality range of nursing home furniture to its list. The range answers the three design criteria of good nursing furnishings extremely well. Triangle offer living room chairs, for example that have clearly been designed to replicate the kind of chair one might expect to find in the home of a person of that generation: pleasant, naturally colored arm chairs, with high backs and furled armrests. They look almost indistinguishable from the “real” thing – but are stuffed with ergonomic design features that ensure ease of use in the nursing area situation. This nursing home furniture is easy to clean – it can be wiped down and disinfected in minutes. It’s extremely durable, which means it holds its brightness and color, as well as its working features, for a length of time that makes it economically practical to order. And it can be altered to make taking a patient out of it, in an emergency situation, extremely efficient and easy.

There are also ranges of bedroom furniture, built with the same three golden rules in mind. All the beds are comfortable, the tables are ornamental and simply built – but everything works in accordance with the daily requirements of a nursing establishment. This is nursing home furniture at its best: designed to look and feel like “normal” home furnishings, but well capable of withstanding the more intense stresses and strains of supporting less mobile patients. In effect, it’s a trick, albeit a very kind heart one: hospital furnishings, when all is said and done, made up to look like home decoration.

This, of course, is the most important trait of all. A nursing home is a place intended to give dignity, peace and as much happiness as possible to people who can no longer live in their own houses or flats. As such, the better ones are trying to take care of a wealth of memories and habits – and to detract attention from the frustrations inherent in having to be looked after. Nursing home furniture has a vital role to play in this illusion. Everyone knows that it is, really, hospital grade, designed to facilitate treatment rather than ornament: but, in the best of all possible worlds, it’s also reminiscent of the homes the patients have been forced to leave.

Choosing an Eldercare Home

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Choosing an eldercare home for an elderly can be a challenging task. You want them to get the best care they can and should receive, but there are just so many homes around, you may just feel lost at to what to consider. But do not worry too much, as here we have a guide to choosing a suitable eldercare home for the elderly.

First of all, you should talk to the elderly person, even if they are very sick. They are still very much human like we are, and would appreciate being consulted before having any decisions made. There may be some things that they would want in the centre in order for them to live comfortably. Whether it is the personality of the people caring for them or the facilities available, if the request is not too much to ask, and if some of the homes have what they need, you can narrow down your options to the few homes. At least you are taking care of their spiritual needs this way. You should also evaluate the other needs of the person, for example, if they are gravely ill needing 24-hour care, or healthy and require minimal supervision.

The cost of the eldercare should also be taken into consideration as what you can give may determine the type of care received. Some of these expenses can be covered by insurance, depending on the type of care the elderly receives. Nevertheless, make sure you calculate the costs that you will need to chip in, such as the care, medicine, toiletries, and other necessities.

Ensure that the company that provides the eldercare service is licensed, and meets the state and federal guidelines to provide care for elderly people. With the license, it is recognized that the minimum standards to care for the elderly are met by the centre. Those standards can range from the architectural dimensions of the centre; the staff having undergone intensive training and received certification; as well as the facilities and services available. Such standards are made in order to create a safer environment for the elderly. You should also do additional research on the service provided and ask for references. Just because a centre may be licensed does not make it satisfactory.

Last but not least, pay the centre a visit. Both you are the elderly person should take a look at the place to see if the environment is pleasant and clean, staff are hospitable, and the residents are safe. You will want the elderly person to be able to live there peacefully without complaints. Then, both of you can make the final say.

Why Buy a Diamond Watch?

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Diamonds are always pleasurable and it gives you so many reasons for your happiness! Diamond Jewelery comes with different collections like rings, necklace and watches! Among all these diamond collection, watches are always special and extraordinary, as they are the best companion for any individual.

They are becoming increasingly popular, as people of both sexes have started wearing it. They are not really flashy and they give a gentle professional look. People of any age group find the best way to adorn themselves is with diamonds. Diamond watches have always been beautiful and they are known for their rich look!

These days they are really inexpensive and most people have started purchasing them for their casual use. There are plenty online shopping jewelry stores, where you can find the diamond watches with a wide collection. They come with a wide collection that matches both men and women. Also, the wide range of watch collection matches the style and professional look of individuals with their respective standards. Generally, diamond watches come with different shapes, style and sizes. The rate of every piece will vary from one to another depending upon the style and design.

Diamond watches are akin like any other wrist watch! The only difference is that, they explicate a rich look with grand aesthetic appearance. Women of these days have started wearing designer collection of watches, and they sizzle with the gorgeous look. Generally, they are worn during special occasions like a pleasurable evening party or any other blessed occasions. Some brand masters that introduce classy variety of diamond watches are Seiko, Rolex, Omega, Citizen, Cartier and Bulova.

Most of the men have started to sport out a variety of diamond watch collection! Diamond watch collection of Men will be ultimately beautiful and special. Most of the brand masters, who design ladies designs, also design unique variety of watches for men too.

There are plenty of online shopping jewelry stores that make a grand purchase of diamond watches for both men and women. Most of the Men designers will never design the watches akin like the women’s design. Watches for men will be ultimately masculine and they give a virile look.

While you purchase your favorite watches, you must consider about quite several factors. Get to know the quality of the diamond that is fixed in the watches. Basically, price and rate has always been a major factor, when it comes for purchasing diamonds. Buying a costly diamond watch never just entails that you have purchased the branded diamonds with supreme quality. Rather considering the price and rates, ensure about the quality of the diamonds and make sure that the dealer in 100% reputable.

There are plenty of online stores that direct and offer you cheap jewelry for sale! You can find the best dealer to make your purchase!

Nursing And Allied Travel Jobs – The Real Story

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THERE’S ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO THE STORY!

I’ve been a medical traveler for many years now and have had numerous occasions to review a large number of Travel Company web sites. Most of them contain some type of Q & A section that explains how they work and what they offer. I’ve found that the information given, while accurate, is very incomplete.

Most of what I’ve learned about the medical travel industry has been learned through the proverbial School of Hard Knocks. It occurred to me recently to write an article that expanded on the usual information given on medical travel websites, an article that presented (as Paul Harvey used to say) the “Rest of the Story.”

And so…here we go!

SALARY

Travel Company: On their web sites Travel Companies usually state a salary range that they offer depending on the type of position, your area of expertise and your experience.

Rest of the Story: What you are initially offered for a travel assignment is usually not the top dollar that is available for that assignment. Most travelers merely accept what they are offered believing the “deal is the deal” for that particular assignment. I used to do that too… but not any more!

You especially limit your chances of getting the best salary for your assignments if you choose to register with only one travel agency. When you do that, you give away all leverage to negotiate for better pay. I am always registered with multiple travel companies so I can compare several potential assignments at once and negotiate for the best over all packages.

There are numerous other “pitfalls” when it comes to getting the most compensation for your travel job. For example, it behooves you to clarify the stipulations for receiving certain types of bonuses and whether you must work solely for one company to earn those bonuses. Again, if you work for only one company, you may unknowingly forfeit higher compensation in other areas of your benefit package in order for the company to offer you those bonuses, in which case they can hardly be called a bonus.

Remember, you can always, “work your best deal,” (negotiate) with several companies while still remaining highly professional. In addition, knowing how to ask for more will telegraph to a recruiter that you know your business and will position you to receive the best offers.

HOUSING

Travel Company: Travel companies always state they will provide you with fully furnished housing while you are on your assignment.

Rest of the Story: You may be asked to share a two bedroom apartment with another traveler, even a stranger, who is working at your same location unless you know you can request a one bedroom separate apartment.

Some travelers have been “required” (because they merely accepted this arrangement) to live in an extended stay facility for the entire 13 weeks of an assignment. This is very cramped quarters and becomes extremely wearying after just a couple of weeks.

I have seen travelers deal with other conditions that were very undesirable such as having their housing located too far from the hospital. I had this experience on one assignment (before I learned to clear all that up in advance!). Each morning I had to make my way through 10 miles of early morning rush hour traffic to reach the hospital.

In addition, fully furnished means different things to different people. If you don’t know what to ask for in advance you can be stuck with things like a poorly furnished kitchen (only a few sad looking pots and pans for cooking) as well as sparse and unattractive furniture (an ugly green sofa and purple chair spring to mind).

Knowing what your options really are and how to ask for them is paramount to having a comfortable, safe, convenient and enjoyable living arrangement. Multiple considerations are there for the asking, but you definitely have to ask. By clarifying in advance what I need and expect, and by applying simple to learn negotiating techniques I’ve perfected over time, I now receive the very best housing accommodations on all my assignments.

GENERAL BENEFIT PACKAGES

Travel Company: All travel companies offer a variety of benefits besides housing and salary which can include per diem pay, travel expenses, bonuses, clothing and equipment reimbursement, insurance, continuing education, 401 K’s, etc.

Rest of the Story: Travel benefit packages are definitely not all equal! For instance, one travel company’s insurance coverage may not start until 30 days after you have begun your assignment versus a policy offered by another company that becomes effective the first day on the job. These and numerous other “small print” concerns can come back to bite you if you’re unprepared!

I’ve also talked to nurses who were never offered per diem pay (the average is $30.00 a day or $210.00 a week) but others were receiving it simply because they asked for it! Some were told they could elect to have per diem pay but would receive fewer benefits in other areas if they chose that option. However, that was not the case for other travelers who refused that trade off. I know I continually receive per diem pay on ALL my assignments without sacrificing any reduction in other areas of compensation.

To make your travel experience the most lucrative and enjoyable, it pays (literally!) to know what is available as well as how to access those top of the line benefit packages.

TRAVEL PROVISIONS

Travel Company: Travel companies offer a variety of ways to cover your travel expenses. If you are required to fly to your assignment, your flight costs will be paid in advance and your travel itinerary arranged for you plus a rental car will be provided once you arrive at your destination. If you are desirous of driving your own car to your job site, you will receive mileage compensation and/or a flat fee amount for travel expenses.

Rest of the Story: Travel companies can save a lot of money by booking you on flights that leave or arrive at undesirable times of the day or night or that re-route you all over the place, necessitating you change planes frequently.

I had that experience early on in my travel career (oh what a novice I was then!), when after 3 stops, and long layovers, I finally landed at an airport at 1 am in the morning that was a full two hour drive away from my job site! Just to add to the misery, after that two hour drive in the middle of the night I arrived to find the hotel booked for me was the ultimate rat’s nest with a stuck heater system that turned my room into an unbearable steam bath.

I also have some rather interesting stories about the type of cars that were rented on my behalf (tin can anyone?). Fortunately I’ve learned how to avoid all those nightmares and now travel comfortably and at reasonable hours.

The point is that if you don’t know your way around the available travel options, plus know how to negotiate for the best travel considerations, you can have some pretty nasty travel experiences.

JOB LOCATIONS

Travel Company: Travel companies paint a somewhat glamorous picture of the places you can travel and the wonderful experiences you can have.

Rest of the Story: If you’re a traveling novice there is a very good chance you will end up in some out of the way place or hospital that is anything but glamorous. Travel companies are anxious to fill whatever positions that present (after all, that’s how they make their money!) and so they can offer less than desirable job locations to those who don’t know how to navigate the system. That certainly happened to me the first time I took a travel position. I landed in a miserable little town with a very boring job assignment. It made for a very long 13 weeks!

Just knowing you might get dealt the “low end of the deck” if you’re new to the game can help you avoid something really dower. However, even seasoned travelers are often not getting the best assignments that are available. Thankfully, over time I’ve learned what to ask for and what to avoid, and more importantly, how to spot a bad job location no matter how many bows are on the package.

THE BEST JOBS

Travel Company: Travel companies accurately state that a recruiter will contact you about a job opportunity and will give you a general overview of the job, its requirements, and what salary and other benefits are being offered. You will also have an opportunity to ask whatever questions you wish concerning the position.

Rest of the Story: Recruiters are going to provide the basics of the potential job assignment to you but they are not going to go into any great detail unless it is in direct response to your questions. You should also be prepared to ask pertinent questions of the hospital representative if you should decide to interview for a position presented to you by the recruiter.

I remain astounded at the number of even experienced travelers that either do not ask many questions concerning a potential job assignment or don’t know what to ask to find out the “nitty gritty” of what the job really entails. As a result, there are many travelers who are quite “surprised” (and not in a good way!) about the real facts once they reach their job destination. And of course, like it or not, they are bound by a legal contract to fulfill their assignment.

Just by asking the number of staff that will be working on your floor or in your department, the number of patients or tests you will be expected to oversee or perform, and the ratio of permanent and travel staff, you can begin to get a definite feel for what you will encounter. Recently while considering a position, I was able to ask those questions plus several others that revealed there had been a recent “uproar” in the department with people leaving in mass, leading me to decide not to jump into the fray.

I am always being treated to the latest horror story concerning jobs that were anything but what they were thought to be. That doesn’t have to be your story if you learn the right questions to ask in order to get the real picture.

IN CONCLUSION

As you can see, knowledge is power! Without it, you’re in for a very bumpy ride in the medical travel world. I’ve explained just a few Q & A areas where travel companies are only giving you the basics of the process. Unfortunately, relying on “just the basics” will have you collecting a few horror stories of your own!