Adventuring and Caregiving: The Travel CNA Experience

by Nicole Phelps | May 19, 2025 | Uncategorized

Ahead of National CNA Week (June 12-18, 2025), we’re highlighting how travel assignments allow certified nursing assistants to grow professionally while exploring new places.

Meet Alexa: Combining Passion with Adventure

Alexa from Kansas embodies the spirit of the modern travel CNA. With five years of healthcare experience, she has merged her passion for caregiving with her desire to explore new places. Since our initial interview during her first assignment in Des Moines, Iowa, she has completed multiple assignments including one in Washington state and is currently taking a well-deserved break.

“I’ve always wanted to work with babies, and I love helping people,” she said. “In the past few years, I’ve also found a love for traveling, so I started working as a CNA in high school and then realized that I could do what I love while traveling at the same time.”

For many CNAs like Alexa, travel assignments offer more than just new scenery. They provide opportunities to work in diverse healthcare settings, learn different protocols and build an impressive resume while maintaining steady income.

The Travel CNA Experience

When Alexa first sat down for this interview, she was beginning her travel CNA journey and expressed excitement about her first assignment.

“What I love the most is getting to experience different places and meeting new people. I love that I get to have a job that allows me to see new places in the U.S. and still have a steady income,” she said.

Since then, her path has taken her from Iowa to Washington, giving her the variety of experiences that make travel assignments so appealing. While she’s currently taking a break from travel work, her story illustrates how these assignments typically range from 8 to 13 weeks, allowing CNAs to immerse themselves in new communities while building valuable professional connections. Many travel CNAs discover that this diversity of experience accelerates their professional growth and expands their clinical skills.

Reflections on the Travel Experience

Looking back at Alexa’s initial travel experiences provides valuable insights for those considering this path. During her early days as a travel CNA, she shared this practical advice:

“A piece of advice I’d give to a first-time traveler would be to schedule or request in your contract to have your days or nights in a row. This especially helps when working nights because it helps my sleep schedule… but it also allows me to get out and see places that may take a couple days at a time.”

Having completed assignments in both Iowa and Washington, Alexa’s journey demonstrates how travel CNAs gain diverse clinical experience while exploring different regions of the country. Her experience shows that travel work can be both a chapter in one’s career and a foundation for future growth.

Practical Wisdom for Aspiring Travel CNAs

For those considering following in Alexa’s footsteps, her experience offers several valuable lessons:

• Strategic scheduling: Request consecutive shifts to maintain a healthy sleep schedule and maximize exploration time
• Licensing preparation: Research certification requirements for different states well in advance
• Community building: Connect with other healthcare travelers in your assignment area
• Flexibility: Be prepared for different facility protocols and regional differences
• Work-life balance: Take breaks between assignments when needed, as Alexa is currently doing

The travel CNA path offers flexibility not just in location, but also in how you structure your career journey.

A Glimpse into Future Possibilities

When asked about her future plans during the interview, Alexa shared her aspirations:

“I’m super interested in traveling to Hawaii and Alaska. I’ve actually been working on getting my licenses there so we will see how that goes,” she said. “I’d also love to go to the East Coast. I’ve been there before, and it would be really fun to work out there.”

While Alexa is currently taking time off from traveling, her journey demonstrates how the travel CNA path can evolve alongside personal and professional needs. Some CNAs travel for a season before settling into permanent positions, while others make travel work a long-term career choice, periodically taking breaks to recharge.

Begin Your Travel CNA Journey

If Alexa’s story has sparked your interest in travel CNA opportunities, we can help you take the first step. Our team connects qualified CNAs with rewarding travel assignments nationwide.

Explore Travel CNA Positions →

Whether you’re an experienced CNA seeking change or newly certified and eager to expand your horizons, our recruiters will guide you through finding assignments that match your skills and location preferences.

We would love to welcome you to the Uniti community – contact us to speak with a recruiter today!

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Read more: NAHCA’s Celebrate CNA Week Toolkit

About Uniti Med: As a leading healthcare staffing company, Uniti Med is known for its outstanding culture and dedicated professionals. We specialize in travel nursing, locum tenens, and various healthcare sectors, fostering meaningful relationships with both our clients and employees. Recognized on multiple prestigious lists—including SIA’s 2024 Best Staffing Firms to Temp for and Best Staffing Firms to Work For—Uniti Med is committed to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. In 2024 Uniti Med joined GQR.

Healthcare Traveler Packing Guide

by Nicole Phelps | Apr 14, 2025 | Uncategorized

What to Bring (and Leave Behind) on Your Travel Healthcare Assignment

As a healthcare traveler, packing efficiently can make or break your experience at a new assignment. Whether you’re a travel nurse, respiratory therapist, or any other traveling healthcare professional, knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) is essential for a smooth transition. This comprehensive healthcare traveler packing guide will help you prepare for your next adventure without overpacking or forgetting crucial items.

Before You Pack

Before diving into our packing recommendations, keep these tips in mind:

• Check with your housing provider to confirm what’s already included in your accommodations
• Connect with your recruiter about any facility-specific requirements
• Research the location’s climate for the duration of your assignment
• Consider the length of your contract when deciding how much to bring

Room Essentials

Your temporary housing is your sanctuary after long shifts. Make it comfortable with these essentials:

• Bedding for standard/queen size bed (check with housing provider for size)
• Pillow(s) from home (an overwhelming favorite “must-have” item among travelers!)
• Throw blanket(s)
• Washcloths + towels
• Area rug (for comfort and noise reduction)
• Desk/floor lamp for additional lighting
• Storage bins or collapsible organizers
• Portable fan
• Curtains or blackout shades (tension rods only if renting)
• Room decorations (photos, small plants, etc. to make it feel like home)
• Removable hooks/Command strips
• White noise machine (especially for day sleepers)
• Travel alarm clock or smart device

“Pack special ‘homey’ items like pictures, candles, and favorite blankets to combat loneliness.” — L.P., RN

Kitchen Essentials

Even if you plan to eat out frequently, having basic kitchen supplies will save money and provide comfort:

• 2-4 plates + bowls
• Cups + mugs
• Silverware set
• Basic cookware (1 pot, 1 pan)
• Cooking utensils
• Food storage containers
• Travel mug or reusable water bottle
• Reusable grocery totes
• Basic spices and cooking oils
• Coffee maker or other must-have small appliance
• Dish soap and sponge
• Dish towels
• Zip-top bags and aluminum foil

Personal Care + Supplies

Maintaining your well-being is crucial for healthcare professionals working demanding shifts:

• Toiletries/hygiene items
• First aid kit with common medications
• Prescriptions + refills (or know local pharmacy options)
• Insurance cards and medical information
• Sufficient work uniforms/scrubs
• Clothing hangers + appropriate clothing for climate
• Laundry detergent + dryer sheets
• Laundry basket or bag
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Professional license and certification documents
• Employment documents

Electronics

Stay connected and entertained during your assignment:

• Computer + accessories
• Grounded 3-prong power strip
• Surge protector/extension cords
• TV + streaming device (if not provided)
• HDMI cable
• Headphones (noise-canceling recommended for shared housing)
• Phone charger (consider extras for work bag)
• Portable battery pack
• Small Bluetooth speaker

General Preparedness

Be ready for anything your assignment might throw at you:

• Backpack or work bag
• Stethoscope and personal medical equipment
• Notebook and pens
• Professional references or pocket guides
• Portable lunch bag/cooler
• Rain jacket
• Umbrella
• Appropriate shoes for weather conditions
• Reusable water bottle
• Small emergency kit (flashlight, batteries)
• Basic tool kit
• Debit/credit cards (notify banks of travel)
• Small safe for valuables
• Local maps or travel guides

What’s Often Provided (But Confirm First)

Many furnished housing options for healthcare travelers include:

• Bed frame + mattress
• Basic furniture (couch, chairs, dining table)
• Dresser or clothing storage
• Desk or work surface
• Basic kitchen appliances (refrigerator, microwave, stove)
• Waste baskets
• Basic window coverings
• Television (in some accommodations)

“You’ll find various levels of furnished housing, but always pay attention to details,” cautions Alexa F. When searching for accommodations on platforms like Furnished Finder, she recommends knowing your must-haves ahead of time. For her, amenities like a washer, dryer, and dishwasher are essential.

What to Leave at Home

Save space and avoid potential issues by leaving these behind:

• Excessive decor or large art pieces
• Items that require permanent installation
• Valuable or irreplaceable belongings
• Large appliances
• Extensive book collections (consider e-books instead)
• Full-sized luggage (store collapsible bags instead)
• Excessive clothing (pack for the season with laundry in mind)

“Pack light and only bring essentials. You’ll be surprised by how much you can live without.” — Alex, radiologic technologist

Packing Tips

1. Pack in containers that can double as storage during your assignment
2. Create a digital inventory of what you brought to each assignment to refine your packing strategy over time
3. Ship bulky items directly to your housing rather than transporting them
4. Invest in quality multi-purpose items that serve multiple functions
5. Join local buy-nothing groups for temporary items you might need

Remember that each assignment is unique, and your packing needs will evolve with experience. Start with the essentials and adjust as you learn what works best for your travel lifestyle.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nurse Housing – Uniti Med – Everything you need to know about finding the perfect temporary housing

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About Uniti Med: As a leading healthcare staffing company, Uniti Med is known for its outstanding culture and dedicated professionals. We specialize in travel nursing, locum tenens, and various healthcare sectors, fostering meaningful relationships with both our clients and employees. Recognized on multiple prestigious lists—including SIA’s 2024 Best Staffing Firms to Temp for and Best Staffing Firms to Work For—Uniti Med is committed to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. In 2024 Uniti Med joined the GQR.

Search Travel Jobs Now | Talk to a Recruiter

We’re Honored: Ranked No. 3 on Inc. Regionals Midwest List

by Nicole Phelps | Apr 8, 2025 | Uncategorized

We are proud to share that our company has been named the No. 3 fastest-growing private company in the Midwest by Inc. as part of its 2025 Inc. Regionals awards.

This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication, innovation, and perseverance of our entire team. Each year, Inc. honors the most dynamic private businesses across the country that are driving growth and making a measurable impact in their industries and communities. To be ranked in the top three across the entire Midwest region is a significant milestone and one we are deeply honored to achieve.

A Reflection of Our Team and Mission

This achievement underscores the strength of our mission, the clarity of our vision, and the exceptional efforts of our people. Our continued growth is driven by a commitment to delivering meaningful value to our clients, fostering a strong company culture, and remaining agile in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

We recognize that accolades like this are not earned in isolation. They are the result of an entire organization working in alignment—with shared values, consistent focus, and an unwavering belief in what we’re building.

“This milestone shows the power of what’s possible when exceptional people unite with purpose and clarity. We are incredibly proud of our team. Because of their passion and commitment, we’re able to deliver an outstanding experience to our candidates and clients we serve.” – Chris Sund, COO & President of Uniti Med.

Gratitude to Our Clients and Partners

We are immensely grateful to our clients and strategic partners for placing their trust in us. Your support and collaboration have been essential to our success, and we remain committed to exceeding expectations in the years ahead.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this moment, we are also looking forward—with renewed energy and focus. This recognition is not an endpoint, but a milestone in our broader journey. We remain committed to scaling responsibly, innovating continuously, and making a lasting impact in the markets we serve.

Thank you to Inc. for this recognition and to everyone who has contributed to this achievement. We are just getting started.

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month

by Nicole Phelps | Mar 31, 2025 | Uncategorized

April is Occupational Therapy Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated professionals who help people of all ages engage in meaningful activities.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) commemorates the month with events and activities that raise awareness of the profession. This year’s theme, “Occupational Therapy: Inspiring Hope, Changing Lives,” highlights the vital role OTs and OTAs play in improving lives.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants make an incredible impact, empowering individuals to participate in daily tasks despite injuries, illnesses, disabilities or other challenges. Keep reading to explore the vital role of occupational therapists, how they enhance independence and improve quality of life, and why travel occupational therapy offers a rewarding career path.

The Vital Role of Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists are skilled health care professionals. They help people across the lifespan participate in necessary daily activities. Moreover, they work with diverse populations in various settings. This includes children with developmental delays, adults recovering from injuries, individuals managing chronic conditions, and older adults facing age-related challenges. Additionally, OTs and OTAs address physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory components of performance. As a result, clients achieve independence and satisfaction in all aspects of their lives.

Enhancing Independence & Improving Quality of Life

The ability to engage in meaningful daily activities is essential to health and well-being. Therefore, occupational therapy practitioners analyze the relationship between goals and barriers. Through personalized assessments and intervention strategies, OTs and OTAs provide crucial support. Consequently, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. This might include returning to work after an injury, learning self-care skills or joining community activities.

For those facing physical, cognitive or emotional challenges, occupational therapy offers practical solutions. Furthermore, it provides pathways to greater independence. OTs and OTAs empower clients to adapt to their circumstances. Subsequently, clients develop the skills needed for everyday living. By addressing barriers to participation, therapists help children succeed in school. Similarly, they help adults maintain productive employment. Likewise, they enable seniors to age in place safely. Hence, the quality of life improves significantly for clients and their families.

Occupational therapists not only provide direct intervention but also serve as advocates. In addition, they promote accessibility and inclusion. They collaborate with other health care professionals, educators, employers and families. As a result, they create supportive environments. Besides this, OTs and OTAs play a crucial role in health promotion and prevention. Thus, people develop healthy habits and routines that support overall well-being.

Travel Occupational Therapy: A Rewarding Career Path

For occupational therapists seeking variety and flexibility, travel therapy offers an exciting opportunity. As a travel OT, you can choose your assignments and locations while gaining diverse clinical experience and exploring new places.

Travel OTs typically work short-term contracts, usually lasting 13 weeks, in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and skilled nursing facilities. These diverse experiences contribute to both professional growth and adaptability.

At Uniti Med, we support travel OTs every step of the way. Our recruiters help match you with ideal assignments based on your skills and preferences. We offer generous compensation and benefits, handle licensure and compliance requirements, and even reimburse for new certifications—so you can focus on providing exceptional care while enjoying the freedom of travel therapy.

A Note of Gratitude

During Occupational Therapy Month, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all OTs. Your dedication to improving lives through meaningful occupation deserves recognition. Your unique blend of scientific knowledge, creativity, and compassion empowers individuals to overcome challenges and live life to the fullest.

Considering a career as a travel occupational therapist?

Browse OT Jobs | Talk to a Recruiter

About Uniti Med: As a leading healthcare staffing company, Uniti Med is known for its outstanding culture and dedicated professionals. We specialize in travel nursing, locum tenens, and various healthcare sectors, fostering meaningful relationships with both our clients and employees. Recognized on multiple prestigious lists—including SIA’s 2024 Best Staffing Firms to Temp for and Best Staffing Firms to Work For—Uniti Med is committed to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. In 2024 Uniti Med joined GQR.

Travel Nurse Spotlight: Jessie’s Journey

by Nicole Phelps | Mar 17, 2025 | Uncategorized

In our ongoing series highlighting the exceptional healthcare professionals who make up the Uniti Med family, we’re thrilled to feature Jessica K, Med Surg RN, a dedicated travel nurse whose journey has taken her across the country. From pandemic response to scenic adventures between assignments, Jessie shares her experiences, favorite memories and valuable advice for those considering the travel healthcare path.

Between assignments, Jessie, a Uniti Med travel nurse, explored the beauty of Greece. Traveling has been her way to recharge and combat burnout, embracing new places, cultures, and connections along the way.

Finding Her Way to Travel Nursing

Jessie’s travel journey began like many others — during the challenging days of the pandemic in 2019-2020. Working in a hospital COVID-19 ICU in Georgia, she took her first steps into the mobile healthcare world by providing PCR and rapid COVID-19 testing for movie and television productions.

“I worked in the southeast region of the U.S. and in Chicago a number of times,” Jessie recalls. “I did have the opportunity to be on a few film sets, which was a really neat experience, but I mostly tested cast and crew members before filming began for safety and compliance.”

As testing demands decreased and facing the inevitable burnout from working in a COVID-19 unit, Jessie decided it was time for a change. She transitioned to traditional travel contracts, which have since taken her to Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; Douglas, Georgia; Louisville, Kentucky; and Montgomery, Alabama.

“Nashville was definitely my favorite contract so far,” she shares. “I enjoyed my time there so much. There was a ton to do and see, and I was surrounded by mountains and a myriad of hiking trails which is my favorite place to be.”

Jessie captures a breathtaking moment from her hike in the Tennessee mountains. It’s easy to see why this travel nurse assignment was one of her favorites!

Explore jobs in Tennessee

Meaningful Connections

When asked about a favorite memory from her travels, Jessie’s response reveals the heart of a true healthcare professional.

“I think if you asked any healthcare worker, they would immediately be able to tell you about the patients or family members that have stuck with them or made an impact on their lives,” she says.

During her contract in Louisville, Jessie cared for a patient who had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident. The patient’s family, particularly his wife and small children, remained constantly by his side.

“I developed a really sweet relationship with the family, and his kids would draw and color pictures for me any time I was assigned to his room,” Jessie remembers fondly. “The family still texts me from time to time to let me know about that patient’s progress.”

Those drawings now adorn Jessie’s refrigerator — a daily reminder that healthcare professionals can “make a difference in a person’s life and bring a little sunshine to a really tragic situation.”

The Uniti Med Difference

Jessie’s path to Uniti Med came through a chance encounter with a Facebook post by one of our recruiters on a nursing page for travelers.

“I was frustrated by the limited options I had with my travel agency at the time,” she explains. “I went rogue and responded to a Uniti Med recruiter’s post offering to review nurses’ resumes to help them find better assignments.”

That initial connection clicked immediately, and Jessie has been with Uniti Med ever since. She appreciates working with a recruiter who really cares about travelers and advocates for them.

Jessie also praises the entire Uniti Med team, particularly noting how they make the compliance process — often a hurdle in travel contracts — “as painless as possible.” Her satisfaction with Uniti Med is evident in her continued extensions at her current position for over a year.

“Compliance especially is always a hurdle with travel contracts but I can honestly say that Uniti Med really does make it as painless as possible,” she notes. “They found me a position that I am super happy with, and I have continued to extend with them for over a year.”

Jessica taking in the full Kentucky experience by making a bourbon barrel at Buffalo Trace Distillery. She believes every travel nurse assignment has something special to offer—if you take the time to explore.

Explore jobs in Kentucky

Advice for Aspiring Travel Nurses

For healthcare professionals considering the travel nurse path, Jessie offers this wisdom: “Give yourself some grace, especially at the beginning of your transition into traveling. The first contract is always the hardest, but once you get through that first assignment and get your ‘nursing legs’ under you, you’ll beast mode the rest of them!”

She also emphasizes the importance of exploring each location. “It’s easy to let yourself go into a cocoon when you get off work and just stay there until the next shift, and that’s okay! But, after getting some rest, go enjoy the city/town you’re in. Every place you go has something special about it if you look hard enough.”

Finding Balance Through Travel

While acknowledging the challenges of “always being the new person in a new place and being away from friends and family,” Jessie believes the benefits of travel nursing far outweigh the difficulties.

“I have absolutely loved getting to go to new places and experiencing everything they have to offer, as well as the non-work travel, I’ve been able to experience as a result of this profession,” she shares. “Traveling has been a way for me to successfully combat burnout by not only enjoying varying geographical locations but also in the people I work with and the patients I get to take care of.”

She values her experience with Uniti Med, saying, “The difference between Uniti Med and other agencies I’ve worked with is like night and day, and I couldn’t be happier with the effort they’ve put in to find the best outcome for me!”

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