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How travelers can better integrate into the team on a new assignment
Travel nurses get the chance to visit new places, experience new work settings, and provide critical care to patients in need. However, it also means that you’ll be joining a new care team every few months, which can make it hard to feel like part of the team. Here are seven tips from veteran travelers on how to connect with a new team.
1. Do things their way, not yours
When you arrive at a new assignment, you’re joining a team that has its own way of doing things. While you may not always agree with how they’re running the unit, remember you’re a guest in their house. Even if you’ve seen it done better elsewhere, it’s unlikely that you’ll make any significant changes even if you try. So be adaptable and do it their way. You just might learn a thing or two.
Katie Elliott, a traveling dialysis patient care technician, says, “This is not your clinic; you’re a guest in that clinic. Find out what their expectations are, and try to deliver on them. What you put out in the world is what you get back.”
2. Listen first, then share
Effective communication is key to being a team player when you’re a travel nurse. Introduce yourself to your new team, briefly share your experience and expertise, and make it clear you’re there to help and collaborate. “Also, be willing to listen and take advice without being offended,” says travel dialysis nurse Kathy DeBuhr.
Travel ICU nurse Bob Goldnetz says it’s important to be humble. “I’m expected to show up and perform efficiently, safely, and expertly in the field, but I don’t know everything.” He’s also not afraid to share what he’s learned when the opportunity arises. “I’ve been around a bit and spent time in many specialties, so I feel I have some tips and tricks to share.”
3. Join in the fun
“What you put in is what you’ll get out,” says Goldnetz. “You don’t have to be buddy-buddy with everyone on the floor, and you’ll come across people you don’t vibe with. But make an effort to get to know your coworkers. It’s amazing what you can learn in a five-minute conversation.”
Building those relationships is vital to feeling part of your new team. Join in gatherings or outings whenever possible. Be genuinely interested in your coworkers’ lives and experiences, and you may find you’ve found lifelong friends.
“You walk into a clinic, and you have a whole staff of potential friends. You go in, and you don’t know these people, you don’t know their backstories, you don’t know their lives, but they don’t know yours either. It’s a clean slate,” Elliott says. “There’s always a chance of finding one of your best friends on assignment.”
4. Be a team player
Show your commitment to the team by being reliable, on time, and willing to go the extra mile when needed. Offer your help when they’re overwhelmed — you’ll be amazed at what just offering to take a patient their meds will do to alleviate a nurse’s burden.
“Whenever you have downtime, offer your help to others in the unit,” Goldnetz shares. “I don’t mean simply being able to be delegated to, but actively seeking out opportunities to help your peers. If you’re not having ‘one of those days,’ there’s a chance someone else is.”
5. Find your go-to person
Travel med surg and med surg telemetry nurse Deborah Murray says she seeks out someone on her floor to be her go-to person. “As a new travel nurse, I always have whoever I oriented with be my person to go to for questions. That expands as I get to know more of the staff. I think finding a person there who you feel comfortable asking questions to is crucial.”
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the experienced nurses at your new assignment. They can provide valuable insights into the facility’s culture, workflows, and best practices. It will make the transition into your new team smoother and help you feel more connected.
6. Be open to learning
Travel emergency nurse Matt Pietraszewski appreciates having the ability to learn things from each assignment. “I get to see how different hospitals function and their different policies, which will help me in my goal of being in management down the road because I’ll be more well-rounded.”
Every facility has its way of doing things, so be open to learning how it’s run. Embrace this opportunity to broaden your experience and skill set. Showing a commitment to learning and improvement will be appreciated by your colleagues and make you feel more integrated into the team.
7. Finally, enjoy yourself!
While joining a new team may seem intimidating at first, approaching it as a growth opportunity and the chance to meet new friends can change your outlook. You’ll most likely find that the more assignments you go on, the easier integrating into a new team will become. So have fun and enjoy the ride!
Ultimately, the staff is appreciative of your help. You’re there because they’re short-staffed, in need of another pair of experienced hands, and welcome your presence.
“We come in to fill holes and help out,” Goldnetz says. “A lot of the time, the staff are feeling burned out, so a new face with a great attitude is most welcome. Bit by bit, you’ll quickly find your assignment is ending, and you aren’t trying to be part of a team; you’ve become a member of the unit family.”
RNnetwork can help you find your next travel nursing job. Call us at 800.866.0407 or view today’s travel nurse job openings.
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.
