So It’s Not Your Dream Travel Nursing Job …
by Aaron Moore, MSN, RN-BC, travel nurse expert
We all get travel nursing jobs that fall short of our expectations. It could be that you didn’t get your first choice of locations, or you may discover some disappointments once you get there. Perhaps that perfect apartment you picked out yourself has some flaws in real life, or the job wasn’t exactly how you had it pictured. There might be co-workers who rub you the wrong way, or you may just feel lonely.
Whatever the issue, trust me when I say, “This, too, shall pass.” Literally. In most cases, 13 weeks is the longest assignment you’ll have, so you can make the most of the time you have there and move on to another travel job.
Top complaints and resolutions
As much as we love the adventure and career growth made possible with our career choice, nurse travelers are human, and may still have occasion to complain. Below are some of the top complaints I’ve heard about travel nursing jobs and my advice on how to remedy each situation.
Shift problems. Let’s say you interviewed for a day-shift job and when you arrive they only need night shifts. First things first: call your recruiter to see if something can be worked out. He or she is the expert, after all. Stay calm and ask to speak to the manager who interviewed you. Perhaps it was just a mistake or they can give you that shift later in your assignment. But if you can’t get your shift changed for some reason, consider the positives of your new reality: shift differential, days off flexibility, and you can still take advantage of the location and perks in your new city.
Try to be flexible and realize that this may even be out of the manager’s control. Nurse staffing and scheduling involves a lot of moving parts, and it won’t help to go in fuming and make everyone’s job harder. Be professional. Always take into account this person will be one of your travel job references.
Housing is not what you expected. There are many reasons why a place may not agree with you. But unless it’s a safety issue, changes may not happen quickly. The good news is that most travel nurse agencies have the free, company-arranged housing thing worked out pretty well. Their places are vetted, generally close to your work and will have the basic furnishings you need. They also have housing experts who can help you out in a pinch. But I would advise being proactive and asking about the details of your accommodations prior to accepting a job.
My recruiter was really good about this; I always knew where I was going and had everything scoped out prior to traveling there. I also knew what was included and what I had to bring. Remember, if you decide to choose housing yourself with the stipend, you will have to spend a lot more time scoping out the place (and the agreement you’re signing) to ensure it will meet your requirements.
You’re feeling lonely. This typically happens on the first assignment or two. You’re in a new place and far from home and your old comfy job you knew so well. But remember, change is good and it can make you a better nurse, and a better person. Talk to your recruiter to find out if there are other nurse travelers in the area. Look around in orientation for other new travelers and staff. These are your peeps, get to know them. (Get tips in my related post: Great Faces, Great Places.)
Safety issues. This type of problem deserves the most attention of all. Make sure to take care of the patient first. You are his/her advocate; don’t ever forget this. Take the problem to whomever is in charge and then as soon as possible to your recruiter and/or clinical liaison. Temp staff or not, you are there to care for patients and you must speak up if something is awry. Your own safety is also a concern, of course, and your travel nursing agency should be able to guide you in reporting and resolving any issues.
All in all, my motto as a nurse traveler was, “There is nothing I can’t do for 13 weeks.”
No job is perfect, but that’s what makes every job unique. I loved each and every travel assignment for a specific reason. And as I look back, I can’t think of any major issue that wasn’t taken care of quickly. Problems will arise, but there were none big enough to deter me from the amazing career choice I made to work as a travel nurse.
Do you have a question about travel nursing?
Send your questions to Aaron. You can also find answers to travel nurse FAQs, or apply today to get started with one of TravelNursing.com’s staffing partners.