Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting career path, but it can also be quite scary if it’s your first assignment. To help ease you into the job, and ensure that everything goes smoothly on your first assignment, we’ve gathered a few tips to help you survive your first shift as a Travel Nurse.
1- Stay organized
It doesn’t matter if you’re browsing for a new nursing destination or are about to embark on your assignment, you need to stay organized! Always make sure that your paperwork is updated with your latest information and that your records are up to date. It would be a good idea to bring copies of any necessary documentation you might have or need on your first day.
2- Don’t take things too personally
Being a nurse is a stressful job, not only do you need to deal with the health of your patients, but you also need to deal with their families, who can sometimes be difficult to deal with. That is why it is important to not take what they say too personally. As a nurse, you should always listen to what your patient’s family has to say, but do not take anything negatively said personally! If you’re unsure about how to deal with a difficult situation or family member, simply speak to your supervisor to get feedback on how to proceed and stay professional.
3- Arrive early on your first day
Nothing feels worse than being late for your first day on the job, especially when it’s your first day as a travel nurse, so don’t let this happen! Be sure to get a good night’s rest, and give yourself more than enough time in the morning to get ready. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.
4- Pack wisely
Most of the Travel Nurse assignments last between 13 weeks and 52 weeks, so make sure you pack accordingly! The last thing you would want to happen is to run out of clean clothes within your first week. You also don’t want to pack unnecessary items that will take up valuable space in your luggage. Instead of bringing a whole TV or PC, bring a laptop or tablet with instead. Remember, you can also buy certain items once you arrive in your new city.
5- Remember to ask questions
No matter how much studying and practice you’ve done, there will always be something that you’re not sure about. Instead of simply guessing the correct way to complete a task, ask your supervisor or a fellow colleague if you’re not sure about something. Remember that it’s always better to ask a question now than to regret it later!
6- Schedule your fun time
Travel nursing work can be immediate (usually only 413 weeks), so plan ahead to get the most out of your holidays. You can also book tours, plays, concerts, sporting events, etc. before you arrive in the city.
With these tips in mind, your first assignment as a Travel Nurse should go off without a hitch! If you would like to check out our other blog articles, click on the link below
