In addition to the perks of self-sustainability and career path growth; becoming a travel nurse is a thrilling profession which allows one to explore the world, meet new people, and overall, to build different experiences. As appealing as it is, this career path comes with unusual challenges. Here at New Directions, we value our medical personnel’s opinions, and choose to share their best tips to help your relocation process to be less intimidating: 

Revise Your Travel Nurse Contract

If you are transitioning from being a stay-staff nurse to a travel nurse, is important to read and review your contract. If you have any doubts about the terms and conditions stated, reach for advice, either from a lawyer or another experienced travel nurses.

A common overlooked term is signing up for the possibility of an assignment cancellation at any time or circumstance, without getting any compensation. Of course, not every contract includes this clause, is just one of many examples to highlight the importance of reviewing your papers. 

Financial Management 

Nurse traveling comes with a particular financial system aside from the conventional nursing jobs. The pay gap tends to be higher, nonetheless, tax procedures are managed differently by the hospital administration. If necessary, consider hiring an accountant that will help you with your housing and living stipend taxes. 

Documentation Gathering

Start by getting all your documentation in order. Make sure all your requested credentials are up to date, like passport and ID. Regardless it is requested or not, always bring your work credentials along with your BLS, CPR or AED cards. 

Be Mentally Prepared

Relocating might imply to travel on your own and leave your loved ones behind. Seeing the world is an exciting adventure, nonetheless, constantly moving from city to city can get lonely. A lot of people are perfectly comfortable with solitude, so this might not be an issue. If you feel that this might take an emotional toll on you, you can always find a traveling buddy or use technology to connect with your family. 

Adapt with Anticipation

As soon as you know where you are being relocated, do your research. Investigate the living cost of the city. As soon as possible start doing house-hunting, consider a good location which rent stipend won’t exceed from 30% of your income. 

Once it is go time, always arrive with days of anticipation, as this will prevent events like delayed flights from affecting your arrival. It will give you time to settle down without rushing through your first day of work. Additionally, it will be helpful to know the transportation time-lapses from home-to-hospital.

Disposition to Learn 

The best way to arrive at any new nurse traveling job is your attitude to work. Even nurses with years of experience must have willingness towards constant learning and self-improvement.

To be versatile will give you a better chance to adapt to a new environment. Every hospital has a different system, policies, and procedures. Your ability to adjust quickly to them will prove you as a competent travel nurse. It can be challenging but be patient, just remember they are offering you a new skill-set, which is incredibly valuable. 

We hope this guide will help you to put all your affairs in order. And, get ready to take up for this exciting chapter of your life. New Directions connects nurses to hospitals that fit with their skills and preferences. If you have any further doubts about travel nursing jobs, please contact us, we will happily assist you.