If you are a licensed nurse and have a passion for helping people, becoming a Travel Nurse is truly a rewarding career. According to recent studies, living short term in new places, gaining more experience, and making more money are some of the key factors that influence nurses to make the move from staff positions to traveling positions. If you have weighed the advantages and disadvantages of being a travel nurse and feel it is the right path for you, Metasense can help you find your first or next assignment.
Although being a travel nurse is an appealing position, you must understand there will be challenges. At times, you will need to balance being comfortable with being uncomfortable. You will be welcomed by the existing team at your new assignment, but be aware orientation may be cut short, you may not have your requested work schedule, your assigned facility may be short staffed and/or you may have a heavy workload as well as long hours. Also, there will be many people personalities to understand and adjust to. Most adapt quickly and acclimate to their new day-day lifestyle after their first or a few assignments.
One of the known challenges Traveling Nurses experience is balancing work-life and time off when in a new location. They are required to acclimate quickly to a new work environment and, at the same time, find ways to enrich their personal lives with activities when not working. A traveling nurse will need to create a “New Normal”.
Navigating a new job in an unfamiliar place where you don’t know anyone can be challenging. We hope you find the following 4 Tips helpfulin balancing your well-being if you are, or plan to become a Travel Nurse.
1. Take memories with you…
Feeling homesick is normal. Don’t expect to fall in love with your new environment from day one and completely forget about everything you left behind. From time-time you may feel like you are missing out on something important happening back home. To help ease the feeling of longing for home, take a few mementos with you – a pillow, favorite mug, blanket, plant, or something special as a reminder.
2. Stay connected with family and friends…
Always set aside time to stay in touch with family and friends. Platforms like Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, social media platforms, cell phones, email and texting make it easy to chat, and share pictures/videos of your new experiences. It’s also easy to send gifts and cards for special occasions or just because. After a long workday in your new life, you can call a friend, vent about the events of the day, receive a good old-fashioned pep talk and feel better.
3. …and make new friends
As a travel nurse you will constantly meet new people. Be friendly. Ask co-workers and others for advice – best places to dine and safe places to go (meetups, closest gym, places to shop, etc.) People you meet will provide a wealth of information and help you manage your free time if you just ask. It is possible to meet new people with a little effort.
4. Explore your surroundings…
Make new memories. Going home and sleeping until your next shift can be depressing. Why not navigate the internet and find new places to explore –check out a local restaurant, walk through a new part of town, go to a museum, take a class, or find events that can offer you a great experience. Balance work and play.
If you have weighed the advantages of becoming a Travel Nurse and feel it is the right path for you, clickhere for the list of opportunities and so we can help you find your first or next assignment. If you need more information, your dedicated Recruiter will be available to answer any questions you have.
Please call us at 856 281 2284.
You can also check out our Facebook group at :
Nursing & Healthcare Assignments Group.