Working as a travel nurse can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to meet new people, gain experience in a wide range of practice areas and expand your skill set, you can also see different parts of the country. Whether you’re heading to a bustling metropolis like New York City or taking travel nursing jobs in rural locations in the Midwest, every assignment brings with it the chance to experience another side of life in the U.S. Next time you accept a travel nursing assignment, follow these tips to get the most out of your stay.
Find the essentials ASAP
It might seem obvious, but finding essential amenities like the nearest grocery store should be your top priority when you arrive in a new city. Take a stroll around your neighborhood and get to know where things are. Make sure you familiarize yourself with where the nearest pharmacy is, as well as any other places you’ll be visiting on a regular basis. Fortunately, as a travel nurse, you’ll probably have a pretty good idea where the closest hospital is, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Socialize with coworkers
Travel nursing, like other healthcare professions, can be hard work. As a result, it’s a pretty safe bet that one or two of your coworkers will know the best places to grab a drink after a long shift, or a bite to eat at lunch. Talk to your colleagues and ask them where they go to unwind. Not only could this help you discover the city’s best-kept secrets, it’ll also make it easier to get to know your coworkers.
Another option is, of course, to research your new home online. Websites like Yelp are essential for finding the best places to eat, and even sites such as TripAdvisor are great for identifying the most popular attractions. Whether you’re a culture vulture in search of a museum or want to paint the town red and hit the clubs, the web is your best friend.
Grab a coffee
In many major cities, and even small towns, coffee shops serve as de-facto community centers. If you want to discover what your new city is all about, hang out at coffee shops. While you’re sipping on a delicious (fat-free) latte, why not check out the bulletin board? Most independently owned cafes put up flyers for local bands and other events, and you never know – you might just find something only the locals know about.