{"id":5447,"date":"2022-09-15T15:26:07","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T15:26:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=5447"},"modified":"2024-11-07T20:19:57","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T20:19:57","slug":"first-time-travel-nurse-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/first-time-travel-nurse-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things First-Time Travel Nurses Should Know But Don’t"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travel nursing is an outstanding way to visit new places, meet new people and gain valuable clinical experience you may not get as a staff nurse. While this career path can be tremendously rewarding, there are several things first-time travel nurses<\/a> should keep in mind. Use these 10 helpful tips to know what to expect when switching from <\/span>staff nursing jobs<\/span><\/a> to travel nursing.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Keep Your Salary to Yourself<\/b><\/h3>\n

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One of the biggest benefits of travel nursing is its excellent earning potential. On average, staff registered nurses make $37.24 per hour and an <\/span>average annual salary<\/span><\/a> of approximately $77,600. Travel nurses have the same level of education and perform the same duties but often receive six-figure salaries in most <\/span>travel nursing positions<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the paychecks start rolling in, it\u2019s normal to be excited by the extra dollars. However, not everyone will share your enthusiasm. Staff nurses may resent how much money travel nurses make for essentially doing the same job, and talking about how much more you earn is unlikely to win you any friends.\u00a0Resentment in the workplace can also lead to an uncomfortable environment for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another thing long-time travel RN Rachel Norton advises new travel nurses to keep to themselves are their opinions on how things should be done.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTravel nursing can be challenging, especially for the first assignment,\u201d Norton said. \u201cHowever, travel nurses need to be flexible. As a new travel nurse, avoid statements like \u2018well, at my hospital we do it this way\u2019 or \u2018at my old job we did this.\u2019 No one wants to hear that. They want you to show up, do your job the way they ask and have minimal complaints.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Me Time Helps Lower Stress<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to <\/span>Vivian\u2019s 2022 State of Healthcare Workforce Survey<\/span><\/a>, 67% of respondents indicated they plan on leaving healthcare in the next 5 years. Many cited staffing issues, hospital morale and the stress of working in healthcare throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel nurses often report higher levels of job-related stress because they typically work in understaffed hospitals and are away from home. Maintaining a healthy work\/life balance requires extra consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a travel nurse, you must be able to hit the ground running to enjoy optimal job success. However, you must also take this approach when it comes to your leisure time. Continue to pursue hobbies, spend time each day focusing on optimizing your health, and make sure you get sufficient sleep. Do your research on the city you\u2019re working in and try new experiences, whether it’s learning to surf, checking out a bike trail or taking art classes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, choose a work schedule that fits your preferences as much as possible. If you know working nights leave you feeling off-kilter, it may be best to avoid working night shifts. Putting as much consideration into your personal time as your work time helps ensure you can continue giving your patients high-quality care.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Strong Work Connections Improve Growth<\/b><\/h3>\n

Travel nurses have the unique opportunity to work in diverse practice environments, offering outstanding personal and professional growth opportunities. Networking plays a key role in helping you get the most from your job, ensuring you have a supportive community wherever you go. You may only be at a given location for a few weeks, but you can still make new friends and build your network during the time you\u2019re there.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it can be difficult to be the new person coming into an organization, most people are glad to help newcomers learn the lay of the land. Rather than keeping to yourself, talk to your coworkers and consider the placement an opportunity to expand your social and professional network. Making an effort to connect with your temporary coworkers and being a positive, upbeat team player can help you forge strong working relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Loneliness Will Happen<\/b><\/h3>\n

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For all its benefits, travel nursing can be lonely. You may have to get comfortable exploring new places, activities and restaurants alone. While occasional loneliness may be inevitable, there are a few things you can do to build social connections outside of work. Join a yoga class, attend community events and schedule virtual visits with friends and family to prevent isolation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participating in extracurricular activities and work functions with your coworkers is always a good idea. If you see flyers regarding hospital-sponsored events, attend when you\u2019re able. Accept invitations to meet up with coworkers after work, and don\u2019t be afraid to invite someone to join you for a meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Road Travel Readiness Pays Off<\/b><\/h3>\n

As a new travel nurse, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019re putting more miles on your personal vehicle than ever before. Make sure you:<\/span><\/p>\n