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Traveling Nurse Protocol

I have been a nurse for over twenty years and a notorious traveler for three.

In that time, I have seen several successful and not so successful travelers.

I have broken down three strategies to help a person succeed and thrive in traveling.

1. Know your strengths

Knowing your strengths can help you in so many ways. Picking an assignment determines the ground work.  Even if you have that dream location it is worth the homework to answer some questions regarding the facility. For example, if you have years and years of experience with Epic, your transition will be easier if the hospital uses Epic.

I am very surprised by contracts that do not verify hours, or type of shifts, call or no call etc. Try to find a shift you like or are used to working. A transition to nights can be a disaster if you are a day person. If your strength is Ortho or Gen you can have this discussion in the original interview. Each hospital has specialties or cases they do more of than others.

2. Be flexible

Being flexible can have a positive effect on your assignment and your relationships with your coworkers. It’s much better to state what you can do than what you won’t do. Being flexible in an assignment can create positive relationships with managers, charge nurses and coworkers, making your tour a thriving one. 

Many examples of flexibility include where you pick an assignment.  If you are willing to go to a crisis location or maybe a northern location in the heart of winter, your pay can be much higher.  

3. Have a support system in place

I have seen travelers do their job wonderfully and get along with the staff, but they quit after their first assignment because they become homesick and get very lonely. 

As a traveler you are going to have bad days and it’s best to plan for it by having a support system in place. This includes so many things; here are just a few.  

Traveling with a partner. This includes bringing your spouse. I know travelers that are friends and travel together, making living expenses much cheaper. They have company to share a dinner with and go out and see the sights.  

Picking an assignment that is close to home is especially recommended for first time travelers.  Requesting a week off during your assignment is a great way to support self health.