As a travel nurse, you'll be going all over the country as you experience new people and places with each assignment. Although your length of stay will depend on the assignment, each contract will typically last 13 to 26 weeks. This is a long time to be on location, so you'll want to make the most of each job. Traveling is one of the most rewarding aspects of this career, so try your best to take advantage of the opportunities available before setting off to your next destination. Consider these suggestions for how you can make the most of your upcoming assignment.
1. Build relationships with people you work with. One of the reasons your staffing agency thinks you are an excellent travel nurse is because of your ability to quickly adapt to new surroundings. Push yourself to form professional relationships and friendships with the nurses and others you work with on assignment. They can help you adjust to each area and become accustomed to job requirements faster and may become lifelong friends who will make the experience that much more memorable.
2. Learn different ways of doing things from others. Working at a different hospital or clinic and with different people will allow you to pick up new skills you may not have possessed before. Many places have their own way of doing things and by working as a travel nurse, you have the chance to learn a whole new skill set. Not only can this make you a more well-rounded healthcare professional – this can expand your resume in a way future employers will notice.
3. Explore your new location. Even if you're tired after a long week of shifts, do your best to get out of the apartment and explore the city. Try all of the classic tourist destinations and ask one of your co-workers if they would show you some of the local spots. Taste the local cuisine and take lots of pictures – you'll want to remember all the details someday!
4. Keep a positive and caring attitude. No matter what your career is, you're going to get stressed and discouraged every once in awhile. However, if you can maintain a positive and caring attitude throughout your assignment, you are more likely to look back on the experience and know you gave the work and your patients your all.