As a travel nurse, there are many benefits, such as you get to travel to various locations and learn from differently trained professionals. It is a job that can give you so much, especially in terms of achievement. A travel nurse is always on the move and stays in various housing, which is paid for by the company. Because of this, there is a sense of freedom and aliveness with every contract you get.
There is a lot to remember when you get assigned to your first location on your very first contract. It is important to always keep notes, so a diary is a good idea. This will allow you to revert to your notes when you are not sure of your daily tasks. There are more tips that you will read through here to help you succeed.
5 Mistakes To Avoid as a Nurse on Your Contract
There are some mistakes that can be made when nurses work on their first contract. This article will help those thinking of becoming a travel nurse to not make these mistakes.
The Contract
It is vital that you read through the nurse contract and understand your duties. This may seem a simple thing, but you will be surprised at how many nurses do not understand their contract and what is expected of them. By reading the contract, you will understand the hours you must work, any bonuses you are entitled to, and the important one, pay grade. By doing your homework on your contract, you will know what to do and how you are expected to work. If there are any issues in your contract, you can bring them up with your company before starting the job.
Errors in Your Records
This is something that can be difficult because, as a travel nurse, you are working in different locations from month to month. So it can be tricky to learn how certain hospitals keep their records. Each hospital does things differently, so it is important to make sure you understand how each location wants you to charter the records. This is a common mistake and is something that can be solved very simply by writing notes and asking your supervisor questions.
Do Not Take Your Work Home With You
When you are a travel nurse, you can be in stressful situations; this is all part of the job that you signed up for. Many travel nurses do not know when to turn their work off. After your 10-12 hour shift, make a point of turning your work brain off. As soon as you leave the hospital, you are free of work and can start living your normal life once again. This means you can do the things you enjoy, like meeting singles at http://datingjet.com/, doing yoga, or watching stuff on Netflix. If you keep taking your work home with you, you will find that your social and private life will be affected. This will then also have an effect on your work life.
Do Not Overpack
This is something that is easily done. Lots of travel nurses tend to pack too many items of clothes. This will only cause problems when you need to pack and move onto another location. It is a good idea to think about exactly what you will need to wear when you are working and what type of climate you will be in. Once you have done the relevant research on your location, you will have a good idea of what you will need to pack. A minimalist approach to packing will certainly help you in the long run, as you will not be weighed down with a heavy bag every time you are on the move.
Curiosity
This is something that is always very important, and many travel nurses are afraid of it. Never be afraid of asking questions and being curious about your work. There is a saying, and it goes, “there is no such thing as a stupid question.” How true those words are. Always be willing to ask questions to your supervisor and work colleagues. By holding your tongue and not asking questions because you fear you will look stupid, you may not complete your work in the correct way. Something as simple as a question about lunch breaks will not only educate you but it will show your supervisor that you want to learn.
Conclusion
So as you can see, there are several things to remember when it comes to working as a travel nurse. By following these steps and being open to learning, you can avoid making these mistakes. A travel nurse is a sought-after job with high responsibilities and great rewards. The perks of the job, which is travel and being able to work at various locations and even countries, is amazing. The amount of new people you meet and can learn from. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to help so many people, but it is important to help yourself first.
