By Melissa Wirkus, associate editor
Embarking on a career as a travel nurse is an exciting time in any RN’s life. From packing your belongings to getting acquainted with the new facility and team members, there are many things to keep in mind while preparing for a new assignment.
Experienced travel nurses know that one of the secrets to traveling around with ease is to pack light but also to know what shouldn’t get left behind.
Ask any experienced travel nurse, and they will undoubtedly assure you that every assignment gets easier and easier—as far as knowing what to prepare for and getting comfortable meeting new people. Each assignment brings a fresh start and a new opportunity to be the best nurse that you can be.
Loving (Or at Least Liking) Your Recruiter
American Mobile Healthcare traveling nurse, Marni Tilrico, RN, has been traveling for 12 years, and offers her advice for travelers of all experience levels.
“I’ve learned throughout my travels that one of the most important things is to have a good relationship with your recruiter,” Tilrico said. “This can make or break everything.”
Cultivating a good relationship with a recruiter involves an open line of communication and always being up front with your recruiter about your preferences and the benefits you need.
Striking a Work-Life Balance While on the Road
Tilrico started traveling with her daughter when she was 10 years old, and home schooled her until she graduated—all while working full time as a nurse at different assignments throughout the U.S. Her daughter is now 21 years old and works for the Coast Guard in North Carolina—where Tilrico plans to take her next assignment in order to spend some quality time with her daughter.
Tilrico knows first-hand what its like to make the most out of each and every travel nursing assignment.
“I enjoy myself on every assignment, it’s like a working vacation,” she exclaimed. “But I always remember to go in with an open mind and the mindset that I am here to do a job. Always realize you are a guest in the hospital and there to help.”
Packing and Unpacking
Some of the most valuable advice from long-time travelers falls on the more professional side of things, but every traveler can appreciate tips on packing, unpacking and moving in general. Tilrico utilizes pawn shops and thrift stores to streamline her packing and unpacking process.
“Use pawn shops and Goodwill at the beginning and end of your assignment,” she said. “Get rid of anything you don’t need to take with you to the next assignment. You can also take them off your taxes at the end of the assignment.”
Cheryl Crawford, RN, uses containers to keep things neat for each move. “One of the first things I do is keep the labeled containers that I unpacked and store them in the closet for when I pack for the next assignment. Then all I have to do is put the appropriate items in the labeled containers,” Crawford said.
Tilrico advises all travelers to pack light from the beginning, but she urges all to remember certain items that are often left behind. “One thing I would tell a new traveler to bring with them on every assignment is a set of kitchen knives and dishes! I love to cook so I always like to have these items with me.”
Aaron Moore, RN, has been traveling with American Mobile for over four years, and has plenty of insider’s wisdom for travelers in need of some advice.
“Organizing your stuff before moving is a great way to make the move into your new home fast and easy. I keep all my stuff in big rubber maid containers,” Moore explained. “Each container is marked for a certain room. One tub is for the kitchen, one for the bedroom and one for everything else. Moving in is quick and this allows you to explore your new home easily.”
Exploring Your New Home
After you have chosen your destination and unpacked your new home, seasoned travelers agree that one of the next important steps to any assignment is getting acclimated with your new neighborhood.
“Get to know your new home,” Moore said. “This is a great way to alleviate anxiety about getting around and finding stuff to do. I always locate the closest grocery store, gas station and Wal-Mart or Target. Finding these things before you need them will save you time in the future. Next, I drive from my apartment to new hospital so on my first day there is no getting lost. Explore all the amenities your apartment has to offer, often you will find something you didn’t know about and really enjoy it.”
At the end of the day, the experiences you have as a travel nurse all depend on a positive attitude, the ability to adapt and a willingness to learn new things. There are few careers out there that let you explore the U.S. while learning new clinical skills and techniques—so be sure to take advantage of the unique opportunities that a career as a travel nurse offers.
“Being a travel nurse allows me to do what I love to do without getting involved in hospital politics,” Tilrico said. “My favorite part of being a travel nurse is the fact that my career is also my working vacation and I love the diversity that traveling has brought to my life.”
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