Travel Nursing First Day Tips

You’ve just landed your first travel nurse assignment, and of course you want to make a good impression! We’ve got some tips for the first-time traveler.

You’ve driven to your new locale and unpacked your car. Now you are turning your focus to your new facility. Whether this is your first travel nurse job or your fifteenth, it’s normal to feel nervous walking into job for the first time!

Pre-game for Your First Day

Are you a committed to-do list-maker, or do you have one of those naturally organized minds? Either way, all your essential ‘get-started’ information will be handily available in your my.americantraveler.com profile.

That’s right, your American Traveler profile will help you ensure that your professional documents are readily available in digital format. This includes your nursing license, certifications, identification, health records, and other required paperwork. You might also want to make sure that anyone you’re traveling with, including a pet, has their necessary documents (id’s, licenses, prescriptions, etc.)

Preload your route to the healthcare facility into your phone. (We love Waze by the way.) Your recruiter should be able to fill you in on parking, your supervisor’s contact info and who to check in with once you arrive, as well as any requirements for attire - such as scrub colors, etc.

Expert Advice for First Travel Nurse Assignment

1. Navigating the orientation process. Most travelers will attend an orientation session for a new assignment. Your recruiter can fill you in on when and where your orientation takes place – it may even be virtual and occur before your assignment starts. Make sure you get the vital information on:

Your new facility’s EMR system and medication dispensing systems. Have a plan to familiarize yourself with the facility’s charting guidelines.
Your facility’s scope of practice for nurses, including any limitations on travelers.
The basics on key procedures, such as calling a code, fire safety, natural disaster protocols, infection prevention policies and other urgent situations that may be common in the area or in your unit.
Your new facility’s policies for when other healthcare professionals and/or a rapid response team should be called in.

Jot down key tips, insights, and any other items that you’d like some clarification on for later on.

2. Arrive for your shift well-rested. Do your best to get to your travel nursing destination with enough time to recover from your journey. Try to get a good night’s sleep before your first day. You’ll be more prepared to handle whatever may arise.

3. Be on time. The simplest way to make the wrong impression is to show up late. Leave with enough time to prepare for heavy traffic or construction. Remember it’s always better to be a little early than a little late. Leave with enough time to prepare for heavy traffic or construction. If you get into town early enough, do a test run a couple of days before to make sure you won’t get lost or encounter anything unexpected.

4. Leave expectations at the door. You may arrive to find out you are in the middle of an emergency and are urgently needed to work on your new unit. You will get to know the lay of the land in time, but for now, be ready for anything.

5. Pack your positivity. You were hired because your hospital or facility needs help with staffing, so you may be walking into a situation where nurses are stressed out.

Take the initiative and introduce yourself to your new colleagues. Ask questions. Your enthusiasm and open-mindedness will leave a lasting impression.
Practice active listening skills, paying attention and responding thoughtfully. Take the time to understand different perspectives and be open to feedback.
As soon as you get to your unit, be prepared to hit the ground running and offer to help wherever you (safely!) can. Everyone loves a team player.

6. Check in with your recruiter. First days are exhausting. You probably want nothing more than to get back to your travel housing and fall into bed - and we understand! Before you crash, however, shoot your recruiter a quick text or email to let them know how your first day went. It’s good for them to be informed, and they’ve been rooting for you all day!

The best way to feel confident about your new assignment is to be prepared for anything, stay open-minded, and pitch in with your new colleagues. Following these tips will ensure you are off to a fantastic start!

Travel Nursing First Day Tips

Pre-game for Your First Day

Expert Advice for First Travel Nurse Assignment

What is travel nursing?

How to Become a Travel Nurse

First Time Traveler Advice

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