The idea of travel nursing will elicit all types of emotions, from excitement to nervousness. After all, this career path involves moving away from home to deliver care in an unfamiliar setting. However, those who have taken the leap of faith have absolutely loved this adventure. At least that's the case with registered travel nurse Greg Stuart who just completed his first assignment. Learn more about his experience:
"The best part was I never felt like an outsider coming in."
Starting with a solid foundation
Gaining on-the-job experience is vital for feeling confident and being able to take on the complex challenges of travel nursing. In fact, you need at least two years of experience before beginning your first assignment. Fortunately for Greg, he had four years of preparation, but his love of caring for others started well before filling out his first application.
The charismatic southerner is one of five boys, and his youngest brother was born with cerebral palsy. Growing up, his family spent plenty of time in the hospital, where he saw first-hand the power of a compassionate healthcare team. It was this experience that drove Greg to become a nurse.
He meshed his chosen career with his inherent ambition to continually improve and desire to see what the world has to offer by taking on travel nurse jobs.
By entering this field, Greg hoped he would be "exposed to new methods of doing things and come in contact with many nurses that could help me continue to grow as a nurse."
A rewarding experience
Like anyone beginning a new endeavor, Greg was nervous about his first assignment at Palmetto Health Baptist in Columbia, South Carolina. He worried about being accepted as a newcomer at his assignment and whether the experience would meet his expectations. However, his mind was put at ease as soon as he talked to his Aureus Medical agency manager, Erin Chenowith.
"She has been more than anyone could ask for in a manager, therapist and friend," he explained.
Upon entering the new job, he was met with even more positivity, as Palmetto Health Baptist was incredibly welcoming.
"The best part of working there was that I never felt like an outsider coming in," Greg recalled. "From day one they stressed that travel nurses were, 'experienced new team members.'"
Greg emphasized how much he enjoyed his time at his first hospital assignment and noted that the locale kept extending his stay. The nursing managers in the step-down unit where he worked for nine months of the year quickly recognized the value he brought to the team, often asking for his input on process improvement and unit decisions.
Greg also gained plenty of innovative skills, techniques and best practices during his stay in Columbia. He grew tremendously in his nursing role by learning about new processes and mastering medical tools.
While he's itching to see more of the U.S., Greg enjoyed his time hanging out with the locals in Columbia. The college town provided an exciting night life, and there was always something to do in his downtime.
Tips for your first travel nursing assignment
During his year in Columbia, Greg gained more than just insight on healthcare best practices; he also learned a thing or two about traveling efficiently. When asked what tips he'd give to those taking their first assignment, he advised reconsidering what items you bring along.
"I packed heavier than I think I needed to for the first contract and then acquired things along the way," he explained. "This made the return trip home a little challenging for space!"
That said, don't forget to pack those comforts, like pictures or a favorite pillow, that make an unfamiliar space feel like home.
Before deciding what to take with you, though, do as much research on the medical facility as possible. Not only will this give you some peace of mind since you know what to expect when walking through the doors, but it also allows for an easier transition.
NurseTogether advised researching the locale to map out some activities or places to see during your free time. For Greg, he could tour the town after hours and mingle with the University of South Carolina students or spend afternoons visiting attractions like the Riverbanks Zoo, art museums and parks. Planning out things to do ahead of time builds the excitement and can ease any nervousness you might have.
Even if you don't plan on hitting up the local sites, you should still arrive at your apartment a few days before your assignment actually starts. Then, you can unpack, organize your space and decompress from your travels and better prepare for starting the job.
Embarking on your first travel nursing assignment is an exciting initial step in a rewarding career path. Travel nurses across the country, including Greg, are thankful for taking that leap of faith.