Travel nursing has a common stereotype that you have to be single to thrive as a travel nurse. That is far from true! Plenty of travelers are in relationships while they take a 13-week contract far from their significant other. It might NOT be easy, but with a little planning/sacrifice it CAN work. If your dream is to travel for your profession, let’s get started and see if it is the right career move for you. Here are five tips to help maintain a healthy relationship as a traveler!
COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION.
It’s 2019! Whether it’s texting, phone calls, social media, letters, or Facetime/Skype, you should be able to communicate in some way. Be sure to set a time out of your day to communicate with your significant other about your days. Share your ups and downs so they feel like they are there with you!
Find out your significant other’s love language!
Yes this may seem cheesy, but it can do wonders for your relationship. The 5 love languages are Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Find out what both of your love languages are and go over the results together!
Consistency
Consistency is more important than perfection. In fact, perfection is impossible so you have to accept that! You might not be able to contract some of the situations that you and your partner face such as time differences, work schedules, etc. However, you can control your consistency in the relationship! Consistent communication, consistent sacrifice, consistent love is possible. You just have to put in the work through good times and bad!
Remember, you are a team!
Just because your significant other is not traveling with you, that does not mean they cannot be involved in your career! Before you go, discuss the details of the contract and city with them, go over fun things to do in the new city you will be in, go over housing, and even try to help plan a time for them to visit during the 13 weeks to explore with you! Take your partner’s needs into account and treat them the way you would want to be treated!
Work on YOU!
Find different hobbies, interests, and/or activities that you love to do! This will keep you from relying on your partner to be your main source of happiness while on assignment. Be sure to make time for the things you love to do, then share your experiences with your partner! You chose to travel for a reason. Whether it is to explore new places or meet new people, you should make time to do these!
Relationships take work, we know that. Having a relationship while traveling can seem impossible but it is doable with a little effort and sacrifice! What tips would you give to a traveler in a relationship? COMMENT BELOW!
If you want more information on traveling, be sure to contact Aureus Medical today and we would love to be your personal job resource!
Travis Simonin is a Social Media Recruiter for the Therapy and Nursing divisions at Aureus Medical Group.