Starting a new travel nursing job is exciting, but can be overwhelming. Every hospital has its unique policies and procedures, making it challenging to get acclimated at work as well as the new city or state.
However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can quickly adjust to any travel nursing job. In this article, we'll provide ten tips to help you feel settled and confident in your new role.
One of the best ways to prepare for travel nurse assignments is to do research before you go. This can help you become more acquainted with what to expect and be more comfortable in your temporary home. You can start by finding the best neighborhoods to live in, so you can choose the right housing.
In addition to researching housing, it's also important to research the community, such as the cultural diversity. It's likely that people will look different, speak another language besides English, and have new beliefs and values, which can vary from person to person.
Adapting to cultural diversity in healthcare is not only necessary but also enhances emotional intelligence. This skill can help registered nurses quickly establish trust and build rapport with coworkers and patients. Sharpening this valuable skill will help registered nurses succeed in their careers while embracing the cultural experiences that come with travel nursing across the country.
Researching cultural norms in your new area can also prepare you for any potential culture shock. For example, if your last nursing job was in the deep South in a rural area and you're moving to New York City, prepare for some big changes in people's temperaments, traffic/commute times, and slang terms (soda vs. pop). Or if your home state is Hawaii and your next assignment is in Alaska, prepare for a big transition in temperature and overall cultural differences.
How much time do you give yourself between moving into your temporary home and starting your nursing job? If you arrive a few days before, you'll have plenty of time to tour your new city and locate nearby stores, gas stations, and clinics. If you're traveling with a pet, you should also research pet-friendly housing options, nearby walking paths, and vet clinics with good reviews (just in case).
However, if you live for the thrill of living life day to day and exploring during your time there, that's okay too! Regardless of how you approach it, knowing what makes you feel comfortable and prepared for your next travel nursing job will make your transition smoother and more enjoyable.
When starting a new job at a healthcare facility, registered nurses should familiarize themselves with their new position and work environment because healthcare facilities can be pretty different. This process often includes taking a tour to learn the layout, units, and where to find important areas such as supply rooms and crash carts.
Like any nurse on their first day, travel nurses should perform a test run of their commute a week before they officially start to determine how long it takes to get from their front door to their unit, accounting for potential traffic. While getting lost or turned around is common during the first few weeks, taking the time to explore and learn the layout of the facility can help travel nurses feel more comfortable and confident in new hospitals.
In travel nursing, being adaptable and quick to learn is an important skill to have. Since policies and procedures can vary significantly from one hospital to the next, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the known details of your next nursing job.
Most travel nursing contracts include some of this information, but it doesn't hurt to double-check and confirm once you're there. Becoming knowledgeable about policies and procedures and asking questions help you understand what's expected.
Here are some questions to ask:
Are there new policies or procedures? If there are, find out if there are quick reference cards that can help you navigate them.
What charting system do you use? Most travel nursing agencies should have this information ahead of time but sometimes they don't. If you aren't familiar with the charting system they use, you should learn it as soon as possible and ask for suggestions from fellow nurses and mentors.
Who handles scheduling? Is it the nurse manager or someone else? Travel nurses should know the policies on scheduling, including call-ins, emergencies, and sick leave.
Where are the crash carts and what are the codes? Know where all the crash carts are immediately, and become familiar with the facility’s codes and policies.
It's essential for travel nurses to embrace change, stay flexible, and keep a positive attitude as they start travel nursing jobs. All nursing jobs bring unique opportunities, benefits, and adaptation. Travel nurses who are fast learners and patient can successfully navigate these changes and make the most out of their temporary home and job.
Adapting to a new environment and new job can be challenging, but staying open to new experiences can lead to personal and professional growth. By being prepared for change and approaching travel nurse assignments with a positive attitude, travel nurses can enjoy every moment of their new adventure while delivering quality patient care.
One of the best ways to adapt to change is to rely on your routines and habits. While your routine may change based on nursing jobs, you can still implement and tweak it based on where you are. If you're used to a daily walk after your shift, find a nearby path in a safe neighborhood. If you love reading at a coffee shop on your days off, continue the habit. Just because you're in a new place doesn't mean you have to change everything completely.
To properly take care of others, you need to take care of yourself. To perform well as a travel nurse, prioritize healthy habits like eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and moving your body to reduce stress. Neglecting the basics can lead to burnout and decreased job performance. Relying on existing routines or creating new ones can help you adjust to change for all assignments you take on.
Remember — taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. By relying on existing routines or creating new ones, you can adjust to the changes that come with assignments. Prioritize self-care so you can be successful and thrive in every travel nurse assignment.
What's your plan to manage loneliness or homesickness that might come with your new assignment? Keeping an eye on your mental health and managing burnout as a healthcare worker is so important for many reasons, including of course your role in patient care. One way to counteract bad mental health days is getting involved with the community.
Once you're settled, consider marking your calendar with activities that align with your personal interests. If you enjoy hiking and there is a local hiking group organizing a nature walk, this could be an excellent opportunity to bond with new people that share the same interests as you. If you love to read and talk about books, look for local book club meetups or groups on Facebook.
By bridging the gap between your interests and the community, you'll not only have something to look forward to, but you'll also have the chance to make new friends in your temporary home. This can help you establish a sense of belonging in your new environment and make it a great experience.
As a traveling nurse, it's so important to bond and make connections with coworkers in each new work environment. By getting to know the permanent staff nurses, you'll not only have new friends to lean on for your assignment, you'll establish professional relationships that can last beyond your time at the hospital. These connections can provide valuable support and advice, whether you're looking for insight into a challenging case, help to sharpen or develop skills, or ways to adjust to the work environment or position.
Relying on your nurse manager and fellow registered nurses as mentors can help you learn about job opportunities and career advancement options. By building these personal and professional connections, you'll not only have a more enjoyable experience working as a travel nurse, but you'll also create a valuable network that can benefit you throughout your nursing career.
Travel nurses can benefit from the guidance and support of the hospital staff when starting a new assignment. They can often help you adjust and provide valuable insights into facility-specific policies, procedures, and charting styles. Travelers should ask questions and record important information to remember it. Keep a notebook with you to record important details to help in your first few weeks.
You can also ask your fellow registered nurses about the best local restaurants, sights, and hidden gems. Go one step farther and invite them or make plans to go wherever they suggest. That way you can explore your temporary home and make new friends at the same time.
Your primary role is to provide excellent patient care and support the existing team, not to make significant changes to the facility's operations. Maintaining a positive attitude and being a flexible team player can help you smoothly integrate into the hospital.
However, if you encounter serious issues during your assignment, don't hesitate to reach out to your recruiter or travel nursing agency. They are there to advocate for you and can help resolve any serious challenges you may face.
Adjusting to a new travel nursing jobs requires patience, flexibility, and preparation. With these ten tips, you can navigate the challenges of starting a new job while exploring new places and meeting new people.
Whether you are an experienced travel nurse or just starting this kind of position, following these guidelines can help you make the most of your experience and ensure a smooth transition into your next assignment. Remember to approach travel nursing jobs with an open mind and a positive attitude, and don't be afraid to ask for help or seek guidance from another registered nurse and staffing agency. Safe travels and good luck for all future jobs!