As a travel nurse, you're going to be meeting a lot of new people in a variety of situations. While some scenarios are obvious and will be repeated numerous times as you enter a new facility and get introduced to the staff, others will most likely be less scripted and could lead to awkward moments.
Here are four tips for making a strong first impression:
1. Speak clearly. Communicating a message clearly with people you are meeting for the first time can facilitate a reputation of competency and professionalism. As a travel nurse, you have the responsibility of caring for people's lives. Consequently, a clearly-defined statement, whether you are being introduced to a fellow staff member or reporting lab results to a patient, will help you make a strong first impression.
2. Use the other person's name in conversation. After being introduced to someone in a formal setting, try to use that individual's name while talking to them. It will help you remember his or her name for the next time you meet. People generally make it a point to remember the names of those who remember and show an interest in them. According to Real Simple Magazine, people love to hear their own names because it makes them feel special. Using an individual's name in conversation does not need to appear forced. For example, you could say "Alex, I like that suggestion," or "How was your party, Betty?"
3. Avoid jokes. Humor is relative to an individual. Therefore, make sure to avoid cracking a joke if you are unsure of how it will be received. For business networking, an off-color punch line could be the end of your potential professional relationship with an individual who will only remember you as that person that told a bad joke.
4. Dress to impress. While in the business world this may mean a suit and tie or blazer and skirt, in a hospital you most likely won't have the opportunity to get spiffy. However, that doesn't give you leeway to appear unkempt. Wearing clean, unwrinkled scrubs and being well groomed can give off an impression of professionalism.