As a twenty-something Detroit native, I like to consider myself a typical Midwestern type. Though I love everything about where I grew up, I started to feel unsatisfied. After two years in Labor and Delivery (LD) and 4.5 years as an RN… I was ready to start traveling. I made the decision just like I make most decisions in my life, quickly and without too much forethought.
When it came to choosing my travel company, I hopped online and did a little research. I contacted two companies by days end and had spoken to one recruiter. I suppose you could say it was love at first chat. The recruiter that contacted me was polite, seemingly driven, and very organized. We talked for about 40 minutes and he answered all of my questions without hesitation. The next day I told the recruiter I was ready to move. Two weeks later I accepted my first travel assignment in Grand Junction, Colorado; I was to move in four weeks. How big of a deal could it be to pack my apartment, quit my job, and move across the country? (my naivety is almost laughable).
I would like to note that while everything was a bit busy, it was completely manageable. Now finishing out the extension of my first contract, I would like to give tips and tricks I have picked up on my first travel assignment that I feel have been useful.
Phone Applications
1. EveryDollar:
I am terrible with maintaining a budget but I wanted to make sure I could put away some money before my move. I started to use “EveryDollar” to track my spending and maintain a budget of sorts. Easy to use and super helpful.
2. Hotel Tonight:
I used this during my drive across the country. I didn’t make a set plan of how far to drive each day I just did as much as I could. Using this app helps find last minute hotels in your area that are available.
3. CamScanner:
This is a lifesaver! Allows you to take a picture of your documents, convert them to PDF and mail them to your recruiter. I use this app religiously.
4. Airbnb/VRBO:
Since I had NO CLUE about anything regarding the Western Slope, and I am a little hesitant to use Craigslist as a single female, these apps made finding a living arrangement seamless.
5. REI National Parks:
I guess this is more for the explorers out there: this app is great for looking up hiking/biking/climbing trails and reading other explorer’s input on where to go/what to see. Being in Western Colorado, I have used this app a lot!
Starting at a new Hospital
Orientation:
Being a traveler, you don’t have the history you may have had as staff, and you only have 13 weeks to prove your competence. I asked a lot of questions about the charting system and their Fetal Heart monitoring program (LD specific). Familiarized myself with policies I felt would be important and made sure I followed up with my management. I familiarized myself with the OR and the scrub techs I would be working with. Have a good flow in the OR (especially in LD) is really important, especially in STAT situations.
Alone in a new town
I think the best thing I did was start to explore the town before I moved. I had seen that there was a climbing gym in the area (something I had really wanted to get into) and I signed up to join. It wasn’t too hard to meet people there. I also found it super helpful to go to the local REI and see if they had any outdoor group events coming up.
I have mastered the art of sitting and enjoying a meal alone, making small talk with strangers and trying new things without someone to join. To me, however, the best part of this job is the ways you meet new people and how quickly they become your family.
My first travel assignment has been one I’ll never forget! A lot of learning, a lot of laughing, and I have met some incredibly gifted and wonderful nurses. I am so excited to start my next contract, and share more knowledge with you guys: my gypsy family!
About The Author:
Author: Janelle Edwards, RN is a Labor and Delivery Nurse (LD).
