Many travel healthcare workers are familiar with a steady workflow in bigger cities. But, if you’re interested in something different, you might be considering making the switch to a rural area. Maybe you’re already on your way to your first rural position.
Either way, it’s important to know what to expect. There are major differences between rural and urban healthcare needs. Beyond that, if you choose to relocate to a rural part of the country, the changes you experience can impact your lifestyle and work experience. Even if you’re just traveling for a specific assignment, there are unique rural health challenges and benefits that you might not experience with typical urban needs.
Let’s cover a few things you should know about your first job in a rural area. Your expertise and experience will carry you through, but being prepared for what’s ahead and having a better idea of what to expect will allow you to care for your patients more thoroughly without feeling bogged down by new challenges and obstacles.
The Shortage Solution
One of the first things you’re likely to realize in a rural area is that there’s a severe shortage of healthcare providers. Even though rural areas make up only fourteen percent of the population in the U.S., they contain two-thirds of designated healthcare provider shortage areas. Because of this, your first job will likely turn into caring for multiple patients very quickly. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Your role as a travel healthcare provider can be vital for many individuals who work in trades that are common in these areas, including farming and ranching.
While that might seem overwhelming at first, it’s actually one of the benefits of doing this type of work in a rural setting. There’s less competition for assignments, for one. Whether you’re trying to gain experience or you’re ready to start your own practice, these areas of the country are great for establishing yourself and picking up a long list of patients very quickly.
Perhaps most importantly, you can take pride in the fact that people really need you. In urban areas, healthcare providers are everywhere. People may be more likely to choose one based on who shows up first in a Google search, but that’s not usually the case in rural settings. Your patients will rely on your expertise and personal care, and that can go a long way in helping you realize your work makes a difference.
Getting Used to Long Distance
Even though you might have an influx of patients, it’s important to understand what they might have to go through to get to you. Many rural communities don’t have “centralized” locations; rather, people are spread out. They tend to own more land and live away from town.
You might even end up buying or renting a place to stay that’s miles away from where you’ll actually be working. You’ll need to keep that commute in mind when it comes to giving yourself enough travel time each day and knowing how you can save on gas. Some of the best ways to beat high gas prices include:
- Checking your tire pressure;
- Slowing down your speed;
- Getting rid of extra weight on your vehicle.
When it comes to accommodating your patients, consider offering telehealth services. For people who live even further away from your office or might not have the means to drive into town, telehealth is a fantastic way to make your services accessible to them. The healthcare industry’s digitization has created a more inclusive sector that allows people from all walks of life and backgrounds to get the care they deserve. So many rural patients don’t get that care because thanks to fewer providers in these areas. Your patients can talk to you from the comfort of their own homes, and if that’s what allows them to get the help they need, you’re going above and beyond your call of duty.
Creating a Community
Because people tend to live further apart in rural areas, fostering a sense of community will be different than what you’re used to in an urban setting. That has both pros and cons. Some of the best parts about building a patient base in a small town include the following:
- Getting to know your patients;
- Providing personalized care;
- Developing closer relationships outside of work;
- Devoting more time to learning your patients’ history.
But, because there are fewer residents and socializing options, it’s essential to take care of yourself and make sure you’re getting the social interaction you need outside of the workplace. Technology can help. Calling friends and family on the phone, hopping on video conferencing calls, and FaceTiming are all great ways to stay connected with familiar faces.
If you plan on staying in the community for a while, however, it’s also a good idea to meet as many locals as possible. The way you meet people might be different. There aren’t as many “gathering places” in rural communities as in urban areas. Open yourself up to more authentic experiences, like talking to someone in the grocery store or while you’re walking in the park.
There will be some eye-opening challenges you’ll have to face as you take on your first job in a rural area. People’s needs are different, and your lifestyle will undoubtedly change as long as you’re there. But you might find the change of pace refreshing, and knowing you’re able to provide personal care for so many people in need will remind you exactly why you started this career in the first place.
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.
