Alright travel clinicians, are you feeling brave? It’s time to continue stepping out of that comfort zone on your next assignment! Stretch yourself in new areas and make the most of your opportunities with these 10 challenges to do the next time you travel:
1. Meet at least 10 new people your first three days on assignment
2. Get active!
Entering a local race, walkathon or other sporting event is a great way to connect with people in your new area. Active.com is a popular resource for finding runs, cycling events, triathlons and other fitness activities. You can search for events by location and date.
Bonus: you’ll boost your physical and mental health by training for the event and forging new connections!
3. Learn a new skill or procedure
Traveling is an excellent opportunity to expand a clinician’s skills and experience. New environments allow clinicians to see how other hospitals run their units and also teach each other on the floor. This is an opportunity to work at some of the best hospitals in the state or even in the country. Identify at least one skill or procedure you would like to learn, and ask your charge nurse or preceptor how you can make this happen.
4. Eat at a different local restaurant at least once a month
5. Try public transit or a unique mode of transportation
Taking public transportation can give you a fresh perspective on your community and help you get to know the locals. So take the bus, trolley or subway to work, shopping or to a special event–at least once; you never know who you may meet! For something different, guided tours in a double-decker bus, horse-drawn carriage, pedicab or some form of watercraft can be a fun introduction to your new location.
6. Become a local volunteer
As a clinician, you already have a passion for helping others, so why not put your skill to use outside of your facility!? Seek out organizations in your area that need assistance: soup kitchens, animal rescues and park and beach clean-up organizations are all good places to start. Get connected with a cause that’s important to you at Volunteermatch.org.
7. Try a new hobby or sport common to your area
8. Reconnect with a family member or friend
9. Take a mini vacation or staycation
10. Visit at least five parks or nature reserves before your assignment is over
Connecting with nature is a powerful way to relax and rejuvenate after a long shift or particularly stressful day. The National Park Service lets visitors search for local parks by state, and your community resource center should also have a list of smaller parks, shorelines and recreational areas in your assignment location.
APPLY for travel nursing jobs today to get started on your travel adventure!