Being a travel nurse can be both exciting and scary at the same time. If you are a homebody, you may have more reservations about leaving your comfort zone. Whether you are new to travel nursing or experienced, there can always be travel nurse anxieties that creep up. As you continue on your travel journey, these fears can eventually fade or stick around and resurface each time you move. Everyone has a different experience and approach to how they deal with uncertainties while traveling.
Fear of the unknown is a broad term to sum up the common travel nurse anxieties, especially for first timers. You don’t know the city, the people, how you’ll react to the location and job, etc. Although this huge life change can be intimidating, it could possibly be the best decision of your life. Don’t let your travel nurse anxieties keep you from making the move!
photo credit: Tyssul Patel
Fight Off Those Travel Nurse Anxieties
New Hospital & Staff
For anyone, starting a new job at a new location can be nerve-racking. Always ask a lot of questions during your interview to relieve some of your stress. Asking questions during interviews not only allows the employer to get a feel for what you’re looking for, but also gives you a better understanding of the assignment. Write down your questions before the interview so you don’t forget to ask, and jot down the answers. Interview anxiety can cause you to easily forget what is said in the interview.
A Few Things to Ask About:
- The facility
- Orientation process
- Previous travel nurses
- Unit Floating
- Scheduling
- Documentation Procedures
New Location
If you are unfamiliar with the location you are traveling to, you might be concerned that you won’t like it or find anything to do. Be sure to research the location at least a little bit before you make your final decision. Make a list of things that are important to you, and then start investigating. Moving to a new city/state can be overwhelming, but it can also be one of the greatest experiences.
Things to Consider:
- Weather
- Housing
- Entertainment
- Restaurants
- Shopping/Store Proximity
If you are worried about housing, it could be best to choose the agency housing provided. They will be sure to place you in a safe neighborhood that isn’t too far from where you’re working. Once you have done your research and get settled in, go out and explore! Be a tourist, and discover all the offerings for yourself. You’ll start feeling more comfortable once you get acquainted with your surroundings.
Loneliness
Moving away from your friends and family could easily be #1 on the list of travel nurse anxieties. Making friends can be difficult in a place where you don’t know the culture or how people typically act. Keeping in touch with family and friends back home is just as important as making the effort to form new relationships. Remember, you can also choose to travel with a fellow travel nurse friend!
Keeping Contact with Friends & Family
Using social media, planning visits, and setting time aside to catch up with loved ones are some tips to stay in touch. If it is too much to visit home or ask them to make the trip, video chatting can be a great way to reconnect.
Making New Friends
Starting with your co-workers is a great way to make friends. There could be other travel nurses in the same position as you. Have lunch with colleagues, and just talk with them whenever you get a chance. They could have some great insight to share with you!
Another way to make new friends is to hang out around the city instead of locking yourself in your apartment all day. You’re never going to meet new people if your only friends on your day off are your couch and Netflix. Joining a gym or a group fitness class can help you make friends and stay fit at the same time. Remember to be open to new things, keep a positive attitude, and try to say “yes” to doing things as often as you can.
