How to Overcome the Challenges of Being a Travel Nurse

Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Andrew

Here we will go over how to overcome the challenges of being a travel nurse.

Travel nurses are faced with various challenges like remembering the rules and regulations of a new company, feeling lonely, and being uncomfortable in their temporary homes. Luckily, by using internal and external resources such as self-care and travel insurance, you can overcome these challenges and thrive as a professional, and individual. 

Let’s jump right in.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help

Starting a new job, in a new place, with new co-workers and clients can be overwhelming. When you find yourself struggling with situations like navigating a company’s electronic charting system or understanding company procedures, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in not knowing how to do something, and your fellow team members will be happy to assist.

Talk to Your Clinical Liaison

A clinical liaison is a licensed nurse with recent on-the-job experience. These individuals are now here to help other nurses navigate their way through difficult situations. When you are unsure of how to proceed in a safety matter, have a question related to legal procedures, or can not find a resolution from management, you can call your liaison.

Take Advantage of Travel Insurance

Accidents, reservation issues, illness, and having your belongings lost or stolen are common situations that can occur during travel. As a travel nurse, you spend more time on the road than the average person, which means the chance of running into one of these predicaments is higher. 

Ideally, a travel nurse would have a travel insurance policy that can cover the financial loss associated with the situations mentioned. Whether your luggage is lost, your hotel room is overbooked, or you fall ill, your policy will handle the expenses.

Lodge Somewhere Comfortable

Finding a hotel or housing that fits your budget, is in a good neighborhood, and is comfortable can be a difficult task, but essential. 

Many nurses find the most comfort in extended-stay hotels since they typically come fully furnished, have a kitchen, and have great security. You can find an extended-stay hotel through travel booking websites, industry recommendations, or a travel agent.

Stay in Contact With Loved Ones

Since traveling nurses spend a lot of time away from their loved ones, loneliness often becomes a major challenge. A great way to overcome this loneliness is to stay in contact with friends and family. Call your loved ones often, let them know what you have been up to, and share photos or videos of places you have been visiting. 

A simple phone call can help you feel connected to the people back home and can bring some reassurance when feeling down.

Bring Home With You

When traveling for long periods, you may begin to dread going back to your hotel each night because you are homesick. You can overcome this challenge by bringing a bit of home with you.

Make your hotel room more comfortable by hanging photos of loved ones, bringing your favorite pillows or blankets, using the air fresheners or candles that are used at home, and adding a few decorations.

Only Take Contracts That Work for You

Travel nurses are often presented with contracts that are not reasonable or don’t fit their needs. Unfortunately, many nurses feel pressured into accepting these contracts out of fear they won’t get another one or they will become a low priority on the list of other nurses.

At the end of the day, it is important to do what is best for you otherwise, your quality of life will decrease, and your job performance may suffer. Many agencies are willing to take on new travel nurses so if your current one is not offering contracts that work, you may need to partner with a new company altogether. 

Be Open To Change

If you don’t take kindly to change, travel nursing will be a challenge in itself. As a traveling nurse, you are constantly thrown into new environments with different people, computer systems, and rules.

If you don’t know how to be comfortable with change, consider talking to a therapist to learn some healthy coping skills.

Remember to Take Time For Yourself

Nursing is a demanding job that requires a level of physical and mental strength that is exhausting. If you don’t spend time on self-care, you may get burnt out and begin to feel various negative emotions like depression or anger.

You can practice self-care by going to the gym, watching a movie, taking a hot bath, or doing anything else that brings you joy.