TRS Healthcare provided this article.
While being able to experience new places is one of the major benefits of a travel nursing career, moving to unfamiliar places can sometimes be stressful. If you need help adjusting to new settings, check out these helpful tips for feeling more at home on your next travel nursing assignment!
Tips for Adjusting to a New City While Travel Nursing:
Research the Area
Before taking off for your travel assignment, take some time to research the area you’re headed to. Not only will having this information help you know what to expect when you arrive, but it can also get you excited about relocating to a new place. Start with common local details, such as what the weather is like, how quickly traffic moves, where the closest grocery store is, etc. Then, expand your research into activities you want to try during your downtime, such as landmarks you want to see, outdoor spaces you want to explore, and local cuisine you want to sample.
Break in Your Living Space
It’s hard to feel at home when you’re living out of a suitcase, which is why one of the first things you should do when relocating for a travel nursing job is to make your living space feel like home. Even if it’s a temporary place to settle down during your assignment, it’s nice to have somewhere cozy to come back to after a long day. Be sure to unpack any boxes and unload your suitcases. In addition, if you’ve brought along any personal items—such as pictures of family and friends or treasured knick-knacks—display those prominently in your living space so that you feel more comfortable.
Stick to Your Routine
Even though it may not be exactly the same while you’re traveling, maintaining your daily routine in a new place can provide structure and help you adjust quicker. For instance, if you go to the gym every day, find somewhere to work out in your new city. Or, if you like to start your mornings with a cup of coffee, find a coffee shop or cafe that reminds you of your favorite spot back home.
Explore Local Hot Spots
Adjusting to a new place isn’t all about relying on familiar feelings. It’s just as important to embrace new experiences, too. While you’re on a travel assignment in a new city, use your downtime to check out local hot spots, such as restaurants, lounges, music venues, boutiques, parks, and more. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can always get great recommendations by asking your new coworkers about their favorite places to go around town.
Get to Know Your Coworkers
As with any industry, it can be hard to come into an established workplace as a fresh face. This is why it’s important for you, as a travel nurse, to get to know your coworkers. Not only can fostering a positive, professional relationship with permanent staff help you get settled faster, but it can also provide you with a built-in social group whenever you want to explore the town after work.
Stay in Touch with Your Support System
While you’re on assignment, don’t forget about the friends and family you have. Having a support system helps boost your mood, make you feel more connected to your loved ones, and puts you in a better emotional state to embrace your new environment. Try to schedule regular phone or video calls with friends and family to share what’s going on with your assignment and get updates from them about what’s happening back home. This can help keep you grounded while traveling.
Have more ideas or tips on how to adjust in your new city while travel nursing? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you.
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
