It’s a romantic notion to date a travel nurse.
You know, one of those free-spirited people who roam after the wind and return home with twigs in their hair and dust upon their cheeks. But it’s also really hard. And annoying. And painful.
10 Things You Need to Know if You Date a Travel Nurse:
- Expect them to do their own thing
- Don’t expect them to stay in one place
- Have your own adventures
- Let them go
- Make time to meet up in their New City
- Send snail mail
- Expect them to change plans
- Be open to trying new things
- Give some space
- Listen
Expect them to do their own thing
Travel nurses will do this often and without letting you know, at least at first. It’s not that you don’t matter; it’s just that they’ve learned to love doing what they want when they want and without asking permission or informing anyone.
Don’t expect them to stay in one place
When you date a travel nurse, you have to expect them to travel. One reader reports, “Just this week, I had to break off date nights with someone that I’ve known for years because he is not open to living elsewhere because of his job, and I am not interested in living where his quarters are. We were really starting to like each other’s company, so I broke it off now rather than later.”
Have your own adventures
You tell people you don’t mind that your boyfriend/girlfriend is traveling, that it’s all going so well, that you’re so happy they’re having the journey of a lifetime on the adventure they’ve always wanted to take. Deep down, you’re a bit jealous. Don’t be! Get out there and have your own adventure. The traveler you’re dating will love that you are independent and willing to think outside the box. The next time you’re together, they will want to hear all about your adventures.
Let them go
You’ve heard the saying, ‘If you love something, let them go…” In the case of a traveler, it couldn’t be MORE true. Let them run off to their next adventure. Use Skype often. Text and plan ‘virtual’ dates.
Make time to meet up in their New City
Plan a short weekend trip or vacation and visit them in their new location. They will likely be excited to have the company and enjoy sharing the sights/adventures of a new place with you.
Send snail mail
A small goody box with his or her favorite homemade treat or pair of fuzzy socks shows that you’re willing to do what it takes to keep your relationship strong despite distance, which is comforting for the traveler to know. And a handwritten letter is a touchable, holdable, kissable token of love that a text or voicemail will never be.
Expect them to change plans
As a traveler, plans can and do change quickly. Thought that they were going to Seattle? Well…that got canceled, and now they are heading to NYC!! When you date a travel nurse, it’s important to be able to go with the flow. Don’t let it create discord between you. Support the serendipity of the situation.
Be open to trying new things
As a traveler, he/she likely relishes the experiences available. Places, Culture, Food, Adventure. Please encourage them to try new things and be quick to join in. Someone who is just as adventurous as they are will excite them.
Give some space
The traveler is accustomed to being alone a lot of the time. Take things slow, and don’t smother them. Respect that they need and often thrive on being alone some or even most of the time. Adjusting to having someone around constantly can be difficult.
Listen
Even if you don’t understand the difficult day that they had, listen. Let them vent to you about the workplace, that crazy patient they had to deal with, or even the struggle to find the next position. Having someone who will listen can be comforting.
