As a travel nurse, you can work in a variety of settings. You can choose to work in a hospital, clinic, or even a home health setting. According to reports, over 30,000 available travel nurse positions in the US.
The role allows you to explore different parts of the country (or world) while doing something you love – helping people. But, it’s not all fun and games.
To make the most of your travel nursing jobs, you should keep a few things in mind. Here they are:
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Be Professional
No matter where you work, it’s essential to be professional. It means being on time, dressing appropriately, and doing your job to your ability. You are representing not only yourself but also your agency. If you don’t take your job seriously, it could reflect poorly on them.
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Get To Know Your Colleagues
Since you’ll be working with various people in different settings, getting to know your colleagues is essential. This way, you’ll feel more comfortable asking for help when you need it, and you’ll have someone to turn to if you’re feeling homesick. Also, it’s a great way to make friends in different parts of the country.
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Be Flexible
One of the notable things about being a travel nurse is that you get to experience different places. But, with that comes a lot of change. You may have to work odd hours, be on-call, or work weekends. It’s essential to be flexible and go with the flow, especially when starting.
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Keep An Open Mind
In addition to being flexible, it’s essential to keep an open mind. You’ll be working with different types of people in various settings. Certain days will be better than others, but it’s important to remember that everyone is fighting their own battles. You should try not to take things personally and always be respectful.
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Document Everything
Since you’ll be working in different states, it’s essential to document everything. It includes keeping a copy of your licensure, certification, and immunization records. You should also keep a list of the hospitals you’ve worked at and the dates you worked there. It will be handy if you ever need to provide proof of employment or if your state board of nursing ever audits you.
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Be Prepared For The Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, there will always be unexpected things. Whether it’s a last-minute assignment or a particularly challenging patient, it’s essential to be prepared for anything. It doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect, but it does mean that you should have a positive attitude and be ready to face whatever comes your way. Take the help from your travel nurse agency to get you prepared for the unexpected.
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Take Advantage Of Your Perks
As a travel nurse, you’ll have access to various perks. These may include free housing, travel reimbursement, and even sign-on bonuses. Ensure to take advantage of these perks and use them. For example, if you’re given the option of free housing, take it! It will help you save money on rent and allow you to live in a new city.
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Make The Most Of Your Time Off
One of the right things about being a travel nurse is having plenty of time off. Use this time to explore your area, visit new places, and try new things. You can also use this time to relax and recharge. After all, you deserve it!
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Keep In Touch With Close Family And Friends
Although you’ll be meeting new people and making new friends, it’s essential to keep in touch with your family and friends back home. It will help you feel connected and prevent you from feeling homesick. There are several ways to stay in touch, including texting, emailing, video chatting, and even social media.
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Consult Your Agency
Consult your travel nurse agency if you ever have any essential questions or concerns. They’re there to help you and will be more than happy to answer any questions. The agency has a wealth of resources and knowledge to resolve any issues that may come up. Also, it can be helpful to consult with other travel nurses. It can be done by joining a Facebook (now Meta) group or attending a meetup.
Conclusion
Overall, travel nursing jobs are a great way to see different parts of the country and experience new things. However, it’s vital to remember that there will be some challenges. You can make the most of your travel nursing job and have a successful experience by following these essential tips.
