Hello, there! If you’re here, it means you’re a new travel nurse seeking help and guidance. well, no worries, Skill Gigs is here to help you make your journey easy! Here are the top 10 tips for new travel nurses:
SIGN UP NOW:
1: Research location
Before you say yes to a contract, it is important to do your research about the location. Conduct thorough research on the facility, the surroundings, food, accommodation, weather, transport, living costs, and facilities.
2: Packing list
Travel nurses are prone to packing excessively or insufficiently. After deciding how many days you will spend, it is important to pack accordingly. To assist you with that, Skill Gigs is here for you. Click link to access the travel nurse packing checklist.
3: Test Run/Drive
Once you get to your destination, choose your mode of transportation and take a test drive. Know your surroundings because each city or place has its own set of rules you may be unfamiliar with. Knowing your exact location ahead of time can help you a lot on your first day.
4: Take a hospital tour
Take a hospital tour and request assistance. This allows you to become comfortable with your surroundings, which will help you navigate more quickly at work. Ask where the restrooms, breakrooms, and offices are.
5: Learning charting and computer systems
One of the biggest challenges for some nurses is learning the computer and charting system of the new location. Never assume you know already; this can put you in a lot of trouble because each hospital has its own unique computer or charting system. First and foremost, seek guidance, ask questions, and ensure that you understand what you are doing.
6: Understand tax
One of the top tip for travel nurses is that they understand tax. Travel nurses tend to work in various states throughout the year, affecting state income tax returns. Each state has its own set of laws for calculating tax liabilities. Certain states have reciprocal laws that prevent non-resident workers from paying state income taxes, while others encourage non-residents to file state tax returns for income earned within the state’s borders. It’s important to know about tax sense.
7: Communication
Another important aspect for travel nurses is communication. Don’t be shy, and don’t be scared, even if it is your first time. Yes, anxiety about new people and new places is very common, but to overcome that, it’s important to communicate with people and make friends.
8: Sit tight and don’t quit!
Yes, being away for several weeks can be difficult, but stay focused and finish what you’ve started, since it will pay off in the long run. You may feel down and sad not only because you are away from home, but others at work might treat you differently just because you are a newbie. This can make you want to resign or leave, but you must remain strong. So, sit tight and don’t quit!
9: Be ready for challenges
One tip for new travel nurses to consider is that if contracts get canceled, you don’t have to panic; your recruiter will go to great lengths to keep you employed. If this occurs, remain open-minded and avoid getting stressed. You should also consider alternative options to be on the safe side. It is important that you keep savings from your income for these types of emergencies. Be ready, as life is not perfect.
10: Self care
The most crucial thing for travel nurses is to practice self-care. Self-care is essential, especially when your job is extremely demanding. Go for walks, stay hydrated, and eat at the appropriate times, as it is easy to become sidetracked and skip meals during hectic schedules. Treat yourself, exercise, get rest, and sleep.
CONCLUSION
Travel nursing is a busy profession. So, be prepared, especially if you’re new to this. Yes, there are many benefits, such as traveling, exploring new places, and earning money, but if you are not prepared, even minor details can cause problems, so it is critical to keep all of this in mind, which is why we came up with these top 10 tips for new travel nurses to help them with their first travel assignment.
More informative links for Travelling Nurse: