Nursing is arguably one of the most rewarding jobs, and choosing a travel nursing career can add an element of excitement and adventure to this job. However, being on the road and not staying in one place for too long means many travel nurses go without the comforts of home for stretches of time.
Whether you're considering travel nursing jobs or are looking for some ways to enhance your experience on your next assignment, there are certain ways you can make your days more efficient and your evenings more relaxing when you're on the go. Healthcare Traveler recommends taking several specific items on the road with you to add a personal touch to your space and make yourself at home wherever you are. In doing this, you may find you can become comfortable in your new surroundings more quickly and become a more effective travel nurse. Here is a checklist of some items you may want to bring on each assignment:
• Helpful tools: Will you be driving a lot for your new assignment? If so, make sure you have a GPS that you are comfortable with and trust. This can be invaluable when you are first getting to know a new area, or if you will be making many home visits during your assignment. A good radio service can also make long drives more enjoyable so you arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to meet your patients. Scanning through the many radio stations of a new area can be frustrating and time consuming, so you may want to invest in a satellite service like SiriusXM Radio to have reliable tunes no matter where you go. If you know what you like to listen to, consider installing an app like Spotify or Pandora Radio on your mobile phone to plug into your car. You can make yourself a driving playlist the night before to pep you up in the morning or calm you on the way home.
• Comforts of home: Even if you are only going to be working in a medical office for a few months, it's important to make it feel like home. Bring some of your cherished possessions – whether photos, a mug or some knick knacks – to decorate your desk or nurses stand with and make it feel comfortable for you. Plants and other personal touches can also help. When your new workspace feels like home, you will be quicker to settle in and more efficient in your role
• Tokens and gifts: One way to warm up to your new work environment and get to know your coworkers is to break the ice with a gift from your home state or town. For example, if you are from Maine, you could bring some chocolate-covered blueberries to share with the other nurses. Sharing food and other small tokens is one of the best ways to warm up to people and get to know them so you can work in harmony together.
• Your personal stress reliever: In addition to bringing things to create a harmonious workspace, you will want to pack some items to comfort yourself at home, whether to relieve stress or just spend some time doing what you love. Do you have a passion for knitting? Make sure you bring all of your supplies and patterns to keep yourself busy while you're away from home. Maybe doing some yoga is your favorite way to wind down after work. Make sure you have your mat and maybe a video so you can keep up with this hobby.