Travel and per diem nursing have been popular career trends. If you are a new travel or per diem nurse, the entire experience might feel daunting. Don’t worry! We have listed down 10 tips for new nurses in travel and per diem to help you kickstart this new career path.

1. Preparation is key

You may be new to the healthcare facility so you need to identify early on who are the people you should meet who will help you. This includes your supervisor, chief nurse, and team lead — all depending on your facility. 

Have a notebook and pen ready for when you need to take notes of procedures and processes in your hospital or clinic. If there are things that are required of you, ask your supervisor ahead so you can prepare and bring them on your first day.

Preparation also includes having enough energy for your shift. Get a good night’s rest and have a good meal before showing up at work. This ensures that you have the physical and mental strength to get through the day.

2. Communicate and connect

Sure, your assignment in this certain healthcare facility may be temporary — a couple of days, weeks, or a few months. However, it is still crucial that you communicate and connect with your colleagues in that facility.

No man is an island, especially in healthcare. From the nurses to the aides, doctors, and technicians, collective effort is needed to help patients recover. 

Talk to the people you will be working with and get to know them. They will help you in fulfilling your duties and responsibilities. If possible, you can also interact with them on a personal level, like having meals and going out outside of work.

3. Be honest and accountable

Honesty will always be the best policy. Aside from telling the truth, being honest also includes being open and acknowledging your weaknesses. 

If there are tasks that you are not confident doing, tell your fellow nurse or supervisor about it. Either someone else can do it for you while you watch and learn or they can teach you on the spot and you do it yourself.

Honesty also entails holding oneself accountable for mistakes. Should you commit a mistake during your shift, be honest and inform your colleagues or supervisor.

4. Do due diligence in choosing your housing

Assigned to a healthcare facility that is not in your hometown? You might need to look for a place to stay if your agency does not cover it.

In picking a home, albeit temporary, it’s important that you practice due diligence. Landlords typically communicate with potential tenants virtually. Aside from photos and information provided by your potential landlord, also do your own research. 

Check the surrounding neighborhood if it is safe and secure. Consider its proximity to your workplace and establishments such as restaurants, groceries, and banks. Map out your commute or driving route.

5. Make a list of your essentials

It is very useful to have a list of the things you need so you can keep track of what you have and don’t have. 

Jot down in your notebook or phone your must-haves — clothes, toiletries, personal items, kitchen needs, and of course, important documents. If you are going to be moving from one place to another, it will be easier to already have a checklist.

6. Take care of important documents

Have a waterproof envelope or bag for important documents such as legal papers, ID cards, and certifications. You will be moving from one place to another so these should be kept in a storage that is portable but also secure.

7. Learn to live like a local

It’s okay to feel like a tourist in the new area you’re assigned to. However, having a lifestyle like that of a local can help you seamlessly blend into the community, especially if you’re spending a couple of weeks there. 

Read local newspapers, meet friends, and go to restaurants and places that locals frequent.

8. Keep track of your finances

It’s easy to lose track of your money if you’re constantly transferring assignments. To attain financial security, monitor the money that comes in and out. 

Juggle your budget well and allocate enough for housing, food, essentials, and of course, leisure. It helps to have a notebook where you write down your income and expenses.

9. Health is wealth

While you are busy taking care of others’ health, you might forget about yours in the process. Take good care of yourself by eating healthy, getting enough rest, and exercising.

Eating on time might be challenging with your workload so stock up on healthy snacks that you can munch on to power through your shift. Get as much sleep as you can after your shift or on days off. Work out or at least do stretches to keep your body fit.

10. Work-life balance is important

One reason why many choose to work as travel and per diem nurses is to achieve work-life balance as there are no fixed and regular shifts. Only take what you can chew. In this case, take on travel and per diem nursing assignments that you can juggle. 

Leave some room for rest and leisure. Try not to miss family and friend get-togethers, take on new hobbies, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Travel and per diem nursing is exhausting but fun

With temporary shifts and assignments in different healthcare facilities, travel and per diem nursing can be exhausting as it is fun. Remember to always come prepared, be accountable, communicate, and take care of yourself. Take note of the 10 tips for new nurses in travel and per diem that we listed above.