Working as a travel nurse or travel therapist allows you to experience different places, meet new people and learn a variety of skill sets with each assignment. You have the freedom to choose where you want to travel, and you can continue traveling to new assignments for as long as you want or take the opportunity to enjoy some time off in between. Although the length of an assignment will vary, most will be between 13 and 26 weeks. Therefore, consider these three tips for keeping close to the ones you love – even when you're far away.
1. Utilize technology – One of the best things about being a travel nurse or travel therapist these days is the variety of technology now available. Not too long ago your only options for communication may have been long hand snail mail or an expensive long-distance phone call. But now you have all sorts of digital tools for talking to and even seeing your friends and family right away, no matter where your assignment is. Take advantage of face-to-face calling services such as iPhone FaceTime and Skype, and make sure to get unlimited text messaging so you can instantly send messages, even if you only have a second between patients.
2. Help plan visits – Unlike other jobs that may require you to travel at the last minute, you'll always know where you're going next when you're a travel nurse or travel therapist. This makes it easy to help loved ones plan visits to come see you on location. You'll meet a lot of new friends at work and around town while on assignment, but there's nothing like exploring a new area with your spouse or best friend. When you go somewhere particularly exciting like San Diego or New York City, invite people to come visit! It will be a vacation for them and it will be fun to host guests.
3. Bring them along – As a travel professional, you can always bring family and friends with you on assignment. Whether you want your spouse and children to accompany you for the entire assignment, or if they just want to come for a couple weeks, this is a great option for a travel nurse or travel therapist. Simply keep in mind that you'll be responsible for their travel expenses and any costs associated with extra rooms in your housing accommodations.