Top 5 Difficulties of Being a Traveling Nurse

Throughout the country and the world, professional nurses are channeling their skills into travel nursing jobs.

Being a traveling nurse can be an exciting career choice taking you to every state in addition to various parts of the globe. You will be exposed to new cultures and have the opportunity to learn from others in your field.

What Exactly Does a Traveling Nurse Do?

Generally, traveling nurses work temporary assignments as contract workers for healthcare staffing agencies. They are requested in places where their skills and specialties are required while the staffing company usually handles their housing and additional needs. In fact, a traveling nurse duties are analogous to non-traveling nurses. They are required to wear nursing scrubs, care for patients, record data on patient charts, mete out medication, and organize patient care with various hospital departments. Though there is a “glamorous side” to being a traveling nurse, it is not without its challenges. 

Top 5 Difficulties of Being a Traveling Nurse

To prepare for a successful and satisfying vocation as a traveling nurse, take time to make yourself aware of the difficulties and the best means of overcoming them. Review these top five challenges associated with traveling nurse duties and think about ways in which you can make the best of any situation.

1. Staying Away From Home

As a traveling nurse, part of the job is being away from home and working in varied locations for each assignment. You may find yourself a bit lonely in the beginning, but the best way to rise above this it to form amities with people you meet during your travels. Explore the people, culture, and your surroundings. Keep in mind, that the people you meet and form friendships with will probably be some of your most treasured memories. 

2. Goodbyes 

Sometimes saying goodbye to those you have formed a comradeship with during your assignments can be touching. However, with today’s technology it’s easier to stay in touch friends and family more than ever! Facebook and Skype are two of the ways you can keep your distant friends and loved ones close. In addition, you can ask to have your assignment extended or to return to the facility sometime in the future. 

3. Working a Fluctuating Schedule 

Hospitals and facilities employ traveling nurses to close the openings where they are short-staffed. Therefore, you will be asked to work at unpredictable times. One of the best ways to get over feelings of instability is to think of the altruistic aspects of your work. The more you remember this, the more satisfying your experiences will be regardless of your schedule or shift. 

4. The Ability to Learn QuicklyEach 

hospital has its own instructions for traveling nurses, and sometimes the directions will be short. Your skills at learning quickly will be put to the test as a traveling nurse, even though it will be demanding at times. Future employers will be fascinated by your ability to keep up within fast-paced surroundings and you will have the opportunity to increase your skill set. 

5. Being Prepared for the Unexpected

Each travel nursing assignment will vary, but this can be a plus for you and an exciting part of your career. Not being tied down to a regular 9 to 5 job and not knowing exactly what your duties will be is one of the positive challenges of being a traveling nurse. Don’t forget, if you ever need support, your travel-nursing agency will have your back.