Travel nursing is a satisfying career filled with challenges and excitement. Perhaps you are a new travel nurse accepting your first assignment? Or maybe you are considering an assignment and do not know where to turn? Here’s a week-by-week guide to help you make the most of your 13-week travel nursing assignment.
Week 1: Onboarding
As you begin your new assignment, expect your assignment facility to offer some travel nurse orientation. You will learn about the organization and its policies and procedures and likely meet supervisors and coworkers. Orientation is the time to ask questions and take notes. Be sure to spend time reviewing your notes.
Week 2: Building Relationships
You must make the first move to build relationships at a new facility. Do not wait on your new coworkers. Introduce yourself to people, and perhaps invite a coworker to grab a coffee. If you can find colleagues with similar interests, use it to connect with these like-minded people. Remember that short-term assignment does not mean a smaller level of commitment. So be your best from day 1!
Week 3: Adapting
In your third week, you should be adjusting to the new day-to-day workflow. This week is about adapting to new protocols and systems and mastering ones unique to your new facility. It is also a crucial time for asking questions. Be sure to seek clarification to ensure you are on the correct learning path.
Week 4: Professional Growth
There is always room for improvement, so seek opportunities for professional growth. This week, identify any skills you lack or a procedure you wish to learn. Ask your colleagues and supervisors for guidance if possible. Remember that you have many experts around you and new procedures you might not be familiar with, so soak it all up.
Week 5: Seeking Performance Feedback
Your fifth week is all about getting better. It is the week to fine-tune your work. Ask for performance feedback from your supervisors. You can use this feedback to improve your performance by making the necessary adjustments. Take a proactive approach to improving your performance.
Week 6: Networking
This week, treat your travel assignment as an opportunity to network beyond your immediate team. Each encounter with physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and others can be a chance to form a meaningful connection. These relationships can go beyond your current assignment and become lasting connections, leading to possible future opportunities.
Week 7: Reflecting and Goal Setting
You are now midway through your assignment. How has the experience been so far? Take some time to reflect and answer that question. This week is also the perfect time to set goals for the remainder of the contract. Consider the areas of your performance you can improve. Perhaps set a goal to deliver better patient care or become a better communicator. Regardless of the goal, the process will give you motivation.
Week 8: Staying Organized
A lack of organization can lead to burnout. So, list the tasks you wish to complete during each shift. Prioritize them by urgency and importance. A list can keep you on track. Ensure you track your shifts, patient care plans, and personal time. Prioritize your self-care. You can incorporate deep breathing, meditation, and yoga techniques into your workday. Stretch and take short walks periodically. It is crucial to maintain a work/life balance on the road.
Week 9: Extension Opportunities
If you enjoy your new location, you might consider extending your contract. Week 9 is a great time to do so. Talk to your recruiter. Even if you are unsure precisely what you wish to do, the recruiter can help you understand your options. The sooner they are aware of your decision, the better they will be to negotiate on your behalf.
Week 10: Creating a Legacy for Future Nurses
You are nearing the end of your contract now. Dedicate yourself to leaving a positive impact. Do this by leaving notes for nurses taking over your patients. Do what you can to make the transition smooth, and you will build a solid professional reputation.
Week 11: Connecting with Recruiter
Contact your recruiter this week. It is time to plan your next assignment. Talk to your recruiter, share your experiences, and discuss new opportunities. Week 11 is for future planning and exploring different career options.
Week 12: Ending Your Assignment and Offering Feedback
The assignment is wrapping up, and now is the ideal time to offer feedback to the facility about your experience. What can they do to improve for future travel nurses? Positive remarks about the good stuff will help to build a solid relationship with the facility.
Week 13: Time to Say Goodbye
The first thing to do this week is celebrate completing the assignment! Please give yourself a pat on the back; you deserve it. Tell your new friends goodbye, and stay connected with those you built strong relationships with because they can be valuable contacts for future assignments.
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