Principles all travel nursing professionals should follow

It takes a special kind of person to have a successful nursing career, and working as a travel nurse requires additional skills. Some of the most important principles to keep in mind include:

Patient care
No doubt you entered nursing school with the drive to help people, so try to ensure that this comes through in all of your actions. This goes beyond providing patients with wonderful care. You'll want to make sure that you avoid mentioning any work-related relationships or situations on social media. Sharing stories with other healthcare professionals is a great way to help mentor a new nurse, but be sure not to complain, mention names or post photos of any of your patients.

Good representation
In addition to making sure you maintain a positive reputation for yourself, you also want to keep in mind that you represent the medical staffing agency during your assignments. Be sure that you maintain a level of professionalism that allows you to express compassion, knowledge and helpfulness to all of the people you come in contact with. This can go beyond working hours and extend to volunteer opportunities like pitching in at a free clinic.

Communication
From interactions with patients to addressing co-workers and managers with questions or concerns, it's important that you keep the lines of communication open. This means maintaining an approachable personality while on the job. By properly explaining care giving decisions to your patients, you will also ensure that they are getting the best treatment possible. Don't be wary of speaking up and asking a question when one arises. It's in everyone's best interest that you are doing your job to the best of your ability. You may even find that you make a great mentor to newbies in the profession.

Mentoring
Not only will you help another travel nurse by mentoring him or her, but you might even learn a thing or two yourself. You will also experience a sense of satisfaction by helping someone who is struggling with a patient or to simply get the hang of things. You can even help in non-work related ways. If you know that one of your co-workers is feeling homesick, make plans to do something he or she enjoys. Letting your co-worker know that he or she has a friend in you can go a long way, especially on assignments far from home. Plus, it will help keep you company as well.

Have a sense of humor
Of course you'll want to remain professional and serious on the job, but don't forget that it's OK to laugh. When the time is appropriate, don't take yourself so seriously and be sure to acknowledge any shortcomings you may have. This will make you more approachable to both patients and co-workers. You might even brighten a patient's day by giving him or her something to laugh about. Not only do these individuals count on you for their medical care, but they may also need you to lift their spirits from time to time. If you're too serious on a regular basis, you risk losing the joy you find in helping others. Just note whether or not the timing is appropriate.

Make time for you
As a travel nursing professional, there's not doubt that you are fully dedicated to your work, which is great! Still, take some time for yourself. This means catching up on some much needed rest and relaxation as well as enjoying the company of your loved ones. Save up during your assignments and go on an exotic vacation with your best friends. You'll return feeling refreshed and ready to take on anything that comes your way.