Aureus Medical Group’s healthcare blog provides articles and information regarding careers in travel nursing, travel therapy, allied health and more.

Making a good first impression while on assignment

We all know how important a first impression is and this holds true while on your temporary assignment. It is important to get off on the right foot and set yourself up for success while you are starting your new job. You will be relying on many different co-workers to teach you the skills, rules, and procedures to perform your job effectively over the next couple of weeks. Make sure they view you as a valuable resource in providing exceptional healthcare to all of the patients you are in contact with. Here are a few basic tips to help you set yourself up for success.

Show up early on your first day.
This is most important of all of the suggestions. You need to let them know that you value everyone’s time that will be training you and they can count on you to arrive to work on time. You can do nothing worse than show up to work late on your first day.

Invite your co-workers to lunch.
This will give you an opportunity to meet them on a personal level and give everyone a chance to get to know you. They will be more willing to spend extra time helping you now that you know them on personal level and give you a chance to create some levity with your peers.

Stay late when necessary.
This may be just as important as showing up early on your first day. It shows that you care about learning your new job duties and are willing to put in the extra work to be successful. Everyone will notice you putting in the extra effort and appreciate your willingness to learn. Remember, though, it is also important to get approval from your manager to work extra hours if necessary. Sometimes overtime will not be approved depending on the situation.

Hopefully by following these three simple tips it will set you on track for a great assignment. Have a great time on your new adventure and embrace the opportunity to make a difference in the lives you come in contact with!

Jason Strader is a Branch Manager in the Imaging division of Aureus Medical Group.