Resilience in Travel Nursing
Travel nursing is an extremely rewarding career full of opportunities to not only make a difference in patient lives but also provide care in areas where it’s needed the most. However, the job is not stress-free. Solo traveling can feel like a lonely path. Every 13 weeks it’s a new location, new people, and a new facility. But traveling doesn’t have to be hard or lonely. Cultivating a resilient mindset can help travel nurses stay focused on what’s important and let go of what isn’t.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Building resilience starts with understanding your value. Not many people have the skills you have and can do what you do. Remember this the next time you doubt your worth. You are needed. You bring incredible value to the healthcare system and especially to your patients.
Here are three things travel nurses can do to boost their resilience.
Be Proactive and Prepared - The most stressful time for a travel nurse is when they are transitioning from one job to the next. The documentation needed to start each new job can be daunting, so keep your paperwork up-to-date at all times and tackle the credentialing process for each new assignment ASAP. When you’re considering your next job, have an in-depth conversation about the position. Avoid surprises by asking any questions you may have about the position or facility. You may not be able to avoid every bump along the way, but you can smooth the road a bit by walking into your next assignment prepared.
Develop Community - Remember that you are not alone. Travel nurses love their community. Connect with your tribe and you will have access to the battle-hardened wisdom and experiences of an expansive network of travel nurses who are ready and willing to help you succeed.
Identify Your Why - Without a reason for embarking on a travel nurse career, it will be tough to stay motivated. Successful travelers almost always have a strong intrinsic passion or extrinsic goal driving them. Are you working toward a career goal? Do you love working with behavioral health patients? Are you traveling for the money? Do you just love exploring new locations? Identify your why and keep that goal in front of you. This will provide the motivation to push through the tough times.
Whether you are a naturally resilient person or not, taking steps to boost your resilience can have a positive impact on your personal life as well as your work life. Happy travels!
