Are you a nurse looking for an opportunity to travel, explore new locations, and make more money than your perm counterparts?
Then look no further than becoming a travel nurse. With the help of a reputable travel nursing agency, you can experience life-changing benefits such as paying off student loan debt early or even retiring early!
You can also enjoy having the flexibility to work only 6 months out of the year while still earning more than perm nurses. While it’s not right for everyone, there are many rewards that come with being a travel nurse – so why not give it a try?
1. Have an Open Mind
Being a travel nurse is a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. It requires you to possess a bit of flexibility to thrive in different places, so having an open mind is key.
You’ll be put into many new settings, so try to accept new cultures and be open to different ways of doing things. Doing this will make it easier for you to establish relationships with colleagues, no matter how different they are from you.
Have confidence that your skillsets will help you wherever you go – being flexible is part of the journey!
2. Have a Budget Plan
Travel nurses have the unique experience of moving to various parts of the country for assignments, but with that can come a lot of administrative tasks and costs. Before you head out on your new adventure, it’s important to create a budget plan. Consider all your typical expenses, like
- Food
- Transportation
- Medical insurance
But also set money aside for unexpected costs and housing fees—especially if you plan on renting or subleasing during an assignment. Doing so ensures you enjoy your time away while also keeping your finances in check.
3. Find a Good Recruiter
If you’re thinking about pursuing travel nursing, the first step is to find a reliable and trustworthy recruiter. Working with a travel nurse agency that understands your needs as a traveler in the healthcare field can help ensure you get placed in positions that fit your schedule. They will also make sure that you match with assignments of your desired salary range.
Do some research ahead of time to make sure that whoever you enlist has a reputable track record, and maybe even reach out to former travelers they worked with before as another layer of reliability.
The right recruiter can be a huge asset as you navigate what can often seem like an intimidating career path!
4. Build a Strong Relationship with Your Manager
For any travel nurse, having a strong relationship with their manager or recruiter is an essential part of the job. Doing so ensures that communication is smooth and expectations are clear.
One of the best ways to develop this relationship is to be proactive and communicative. Direct any issues or questions you have early on so that everyone involved knows what to expect.
Developing personal relationships through activities such as introductions or lunches can help strengthen these ties further. With a focus on building a solid foundation between both parties, travel nurses will have greater success throughout their assignments!
5. Collect as Many Details as Possible
As a travel nurse, it’s important to learn as much about your assignment before you arrive, so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Make sure you have all the details:
- Exact location
- Start date/end date
- Housing arrangements
- Nearby amenities
- Job duties and requirements
- Rules or regulations related to the role, such as:
- Certifications or credentials needed
- Salary and benefits information
- Any other important details pertaining to your placement
Knowing these details ahead of time can help make your transition smoother and easier.
6. Give Yourself Time to Fit In
Travel nurses have an incredible opportunity to work in different places, gain new experiences, and meet fascinating people. But with all this change comes a unique challenge: adjusting to each assignment quickly and comfortably.
To ensure success on each assignment, one of the best tips for travel nurses is to give themselves ample time to adjust. While the general atmosphere and the technology may be familiar, any nurse needs time to grow accustomed to the new:
- Colleagues
- Procedures
- Routines
This adjustment period can keep travel nurses feeling confident while they provide excellent care. By allowing yourself time and patience as you move from one assignment to the next, you can make sure each transition feels smooth and rewarding.
7. Look at Every Assignment as a Separate Adventure
For the prospective travel nurse, every assignment should be looked at not just as a job but as a separate adventure. With each journey to new places comes opportunities for unforgettable experiences, from meeting locals and trying unique food to taking in the breathtaking scenery.
There are countless places to go, cultures to explore, and stories to tell upon coming home. Travel nursing permits you the time and flexibility to fully immerse yourself into an unfamiliar place and make lasting memories which often far outweigh any challenges that come with being away from home.
8. Give Yourself Time Off
Travel nursing is a great way to see new places and experience different cultures, but it can be a lot of work. Allowing yourself time off will help you manage the stress of being on the go.
Schedule days where you take it easy, explore your new city, and just recharge your batteries. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune – day trips and free activities are easy enough to find.
Taking even an hour or two of me-time to grab a coffee or catch an interesting museum will give you the break you need to come back re-energized and ready for the next assignment.
Thinking of Being a Travel Nurse?
Travel nursing is a great way to explore new places, experiences different cultures, and make lasting memories. With the right preparation and mindset, travel nurses can have an incredibly rewarding adventure while working assignments in various locations all around the world.
If you’re interested in starting your journey as a travel nurse, use these tips to help ensure success during each assignment! From collecting details beforehand to giving yourself time off for rest and relaxation, there are many ways to prepare for this unique experience that could change your life for the better.
So why not take advantage of it? Start planning today – who knows where tomorrow may lead?
