Travel nursing jobs may have a lot of benefits but it comes with challenges too. However, travel nurses take the challenges positively since no job is easy and adjustments are needed to be able to love your profession and job. Travel nurse jobs by Gifted Healthcare are continually rising since more and more nurses are still needed in different health facilities all over the world. So nurses are still considering working as travel nurses during this pandemic time.
Common Problems of Travel Nurses
1. Adjusting to New working Environment
As travel nurses, you will get assigned to different places for a few weeks and this means you have to adjust to a new working environment now and then. Some nurses get stressed at first but as they go on with their assignments they get used to it. So before you start to work as a travel nurse, set your mind to be able to easily adapt to different working areas and working environments. You have to deal with different teams and co-nurses, doctors, and other staff in the healthcare facilities.
2. Jealousy from Regular Nurses
Regular nurses know that you get paid more and have a flexible schedule. They may envy you and may take it personally while you will be working with them. So you have to deal with their negative behavior during your assignment period. As a travel nurse, you have to deal with it at least for just a short time compared to when you are working as a regular and have to deal with work politics for the length that you will be working in that healthcare facility.
3. Heavier Workload
Since your co-workers know that you are earning more than them, there is a tendency to let you work more during your shift. They will be expecting you to do more of the duties and responsibilities that are assigned to your team. It will be good to ask your recruiter the workload expected so you will know if that’s part of your duties or not.
4. Adapting to New Cultures
Cultural differences will not be avoided once you get assigned to other areas, especially other countries. So better do some research on the places you will get assigned to, to know what to expect and have less shock once you reach the place. There might be some routine that is new to you and you have to learn them to be able to “blend” with the people you encounter and avoid misunderstandings.
How To Manage Your Time as a Travel Nurse?
• Plan ahead
Planning your day ahead can help a lot when you are a travel nurse. Since you know what time will be your shift then prepare everything you need and be ready to face the workload. List down the task that needs to be done immediately, and ask your supervisor about the duties they will be assigning you so you can have a basis on what to put on your number one list. You should also plan your career as a nurse.
• Know yourself
Determine what is your most active hour, so you can do the most important task at this time and be able to accomplish more. People have different times when their mind and body are active so you better find out what time is that for you so you can maximize what you can do during your active time. In that way, you won’t get too exhausted.
• Take a break to be more productive
If you think you are experiencing burnout take a break for 15 to 20 minutes to refresh your mind and body. Then you can work again and feel more relaxed. Taking a short break can give your body the recharge it needs before you continue with your task again.
These are just a few of the challenges of travel nursing jobs and there are more. As a travel nurse, you have to condition your mind to be ready to adapt to changes and new places to work in. In no time you can get used to it and have less stress and burnout. The good thing about travel nursing jobs is that you can take a break after each assignment to recharge yourself for the next assignment to come.
