How to Find Travel Nursing Jobs

Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting way to expand your skills and explore different places. Travel nurses fulfill the needs of medical facilities by working short-term assignments. The ability to practice nursing in a variety of environments compels many nurses to leave traditional fixed assignments. Finding travel nursing jobs is the first step in exercising your career freedoms.

1 Review your qualifications. A valid LPN or RN license is needed to be considered for a travel nursing position. Most facilities prefer candidates that have at least one year of experience in a fixed clinical setting. Specializing in critical care or emergency areas may make you a more viable job candidate, due to high demands in these areas. Ensure your resume is up to date and free of errors. Make copies of your license and other applicable certifications such as your CPR card.

2 Determine your needs. Answer questions such as what your top travel destinations are and the amount of agency support you desire. Travel nursing opportunities for both work in country and abroad are available. Decide how much you want to travel and the amount of down time you’ll need between assignments. Assignments lengths usually range from a few months to a year.

3 Attend nursing job fairs. Bring an updated resume to connect with recruiters and medical facilities at these events. Receive information regarding current assignments as well as detailed facility information. Medical facility personnel may be able to recommend their preferred travel nursing agencies and give you advice on getting hired. Take travel nursing brochures home for future reference. Sign up for email alerts from the travel nursing agencies.

4 Contact travel nurse staffing agencies. Speak with travel nursing recruiters to discover specific information about each agency. Since restrictions may apply depending on which state you’re licensed to practice nursing, it’s important to know your options. Internet sites provide helpful information about travel nursing companies and applicable opportunities. The best sites have information from a variety of companies to help you make the best decisions (see Resources below).

5 Ask nursing colleagues. Spend time gathering information and experiences about travel nursing jobs from respected associates (see Resources below). This will give you a realistic picture of what to expect from your assignments. Use this information to narrow down possibilities and choose the assignments that best match your ideals and skills. Make a list of highly recommended travel nursing companies for follow up.

How to File for a Russian Travel Visa

Once you have settled on Russia as your travel destination of choice, there are many arrangements to be made. The first order of business is to obtain a Russian travel visa. Follow these instructions to get a tourist visa, which is good for 30 days.

1 Request a visa application form, in writing, from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, 9 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128; or download the form from http://www.russia-travel.com/visas_regulations.htm.

2 Get three identical passport-size photos taken. You can have this done at most auto/travel clubs, some copy centers or even the photo booth at your local movie theater.

3 Make color copies of the passport pages that contain all your personal and official data. Cut them to the size of the originals and staple them in the upper left-hand corner.

4 Staple two of your photos to the copy of the passport, and the other one to the designated area in the upper right-hand corner of the application form.

5 Request a standard tourist confirmation from the hosting Russian travel agency or a hotel that is registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will also need a voucher from the Russian travel agency. Make sure the confirmation contains the agency's reference number and registration number.

6 Obtain a cover letter from your U.S. travel agency that states your name (or an alphabetical list of a group), dates and places of arrival and departure in Russia, means of transportation, itinerary in Russia, and index and reference number of the receiving organization.

7 Submit your completed visa application form to the Consulate General of the Russian Federation with the tourist confirmation and voucher, the copy of your passport pages, the three passport-size photos, the cover letter, a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you are applying by mail, and an application fee of $70.

8 Make certain you read and follow all instructions provided. Some parts of your application will be processed by computer, so all documents must be arranged exactly as described or your application will be rejected.

9 Wait for your visa to arrive, but don't expect it overnight. The Consulate General can request a personal interview if they deem it necessary. Even if they don't need an interview, processing typically takes about two weeks, unless you want to pay extra.

10 Check over your visa thoroughly. Discrepancies or errors could cost you time and money later.

How to Sew a Simple Travel Jewelry Case

When you travel, bringing jewelry along can be a hassle. Necklaces get tangled and earrings get lost. A simple travel case is a great way to keep jewelry from getting lost, dirty or damaged. Laying necklaces flat and separate keeps them from becoming tangled on other necklaces or themselves. A secure pouch keeps earrings together and safe. The jewelry case rolls up small enough to fit in a carry-on bag or purse without taking up much room.

1 Using the scissors, cut a rectangle measuring 14 inches by 11 inches from the fabric. Cut a second rectangle measuring 14 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Cut the ribbon into two 8-inch pieces and one 10-inch piece.

2 Fold over the bottom edges of each rectangle 1/4 inch with wrong sides together, then fold over another 1/4 inch. Sew the folds in place using the sewing machine.

3 Cut a piece of Velcro measuring 2 inches by 1/2 inch. Sew the hook side of the Velcro to the wrong side of the larger rectangle, 1/4 inch from the finished edge and 4 1/2 inches from either side. Sew the loop side of the Velcro on the right side of the smaller rectangle, 1/4 inch from the finished edge and 4 1/2 inches from either side.

4 Lay the large rectangle face up. Place the 10-inch ribbon across the rectangle, parallel to the finished edge and 1 1/2 inches from the top. Place the two 8-inch ribbon pieces on top of each other and lay the ends on the center of the left edge of the rectangle with the length facing the middle of the rectangle. Place the small rectangle, face down, on the large rectangle and ribbons. Line up the top and sides, and pin the layers together.

5 Sew around the rectangle, 1/2 inch from the edges. Sew up one side, across the top, and down the other side. Sew through both rectangles and the ribbons. Do not sew the bottom edge.

6 Turn the rectangles right side out with the 10-inch ribbon on the side with the larger rectangle. Sew a line starting at the opening in the bottom of the rectangle and ending at the top, 2 1/2 inches from either side. Sew through all of the layers, including the ribbon. Sew another line the same way, 2 1/2 inches from the first. Sew one more line the same way, 2 1/2 inches from the second line.

7 Fold the over the 1-inch flap on the large rectangle with the Velcro hooks until both halves of the Velcro meet. Fold the bottom end of the rectangle up 3 inches toward the 10-inch ribbon. Sew down the sides and across the bottom of the fold through all the layers, 1/4 inch from the edges. This forms a pocket. Do not sew the 1-inch flap.

8 Hook four necklaces on the 10-inch ribbon, tuck the ends into the pocket at the bottom to keep them in place. Place rings and earrings in the four pockets under the Velcro flap. Roll the case from right to left, toward the 8-inch ribbons. Tie the ribbons around the case to secure it.

How to Become a Part-Time Travel Agent

If you love travel and finding the best vacation spots, becoming a part-time travel agent might be for you. By starting part time, you can still work your regular job and see if becoming a travel agent is a good fit for you. Travel agents can work from home. You must be willing to educate yourself about vacation resorts and to work hard to gain clientele.

1 Work with a travel agency. Many travel agencies hire independent contractors to work from home. Talk to travel agencies in your community and see if they would be willing to hire you as an independent contractor. Be careful of Internet scams that make you pay fees to join their travel agency.

2 Start a website. Many travel agencies have a link where you can have your own website related to their company. Build this page and make it look professional. Provide options for booking vacations through the website.

3 Establish clientele. Tell everyone that you know that you have become a travel agent. Leave business cards at restaurants and coffee shops. Prominently display on the business card which agency you are affiliated with so your credentials will not be questioned.

4 Familiarize yourself with discount vacation companies. It will be your job to help people get the best deals on vacations. Form relationships with airlines, hotels and restaurants. Send some of the more prominent vacation spots gift baskets and let them know you are looking forward to working with them.

5 Give your clients what they want. If the clients ask for a certain vacation and give you their price range, it is your job to provide them with a vacation that will fit their needs. Exceed their expectations and you will build a solid reputation.