Travel nursing is a rewarding job, that offers growth opportunities and unique challenges personally and professionally. While travelers tell us they take time to recharge between travel nursing assignments, others prefer to move directly to the next assignment. The key to transitioning between travel nursing jobs is planning.
- Where do you want to go geographically?
- What type of facility and/or position are you seeking?
- Do you need pet and/or kid-friendly housing?
- Is another move in your budget?
- Would you like to extend your current contract?
Answering these questions will help determine if and where you want to go next. It also entails researching and securing the next assignment, moving and finding housing, budgeting, and professional preparation. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but with preparation and these expert tips, we know transitioning between travel nursing jobs will be streamlined for you.
Transitioning Between Travel Nursing Jobs: Planning Ahead
Based on your list of places where you’d like to live, research travel assignments well before the current contract ends. If you feel there is a good fit, begin with your current Recruiter to learn what is available and inquire if you are a suitable candidate. They may have positions coming soon that you won’t see on the website, so it is important to call or email them to express interest in continuing with the agency.
If you’d rather seek another agency, we recommend starting that search even earlier, as you will have to credential and onboard again. If you’re not pleased with your current agency or recruiter, it’s ok to look elsewhere, that just means more work on the front end.
Once you have an agency relationship, continue communicating with them regarding assignment details and expectations.
Whether you’re a current traveler or are interested in working with us, visit the AB Staffing Travel Nurse Job Board for more information about open positions.
Packing and Moving
Once you know where you are going, it’s time to pack and move. We recommend creating a packing checklist for the essentials and frequently used items. This includes finding housing, which we write about later in this article. Whether it is furnished or not will determine what you bring with you. Our travelers tell us that no matter the housing situation, packing light is always better. You can always purchase items when you arrive. Must-have items include:
- Work uniforms.
- Clothing and accessories.
- Favorite toiletries.
- Favorite books, games, and devices.
- Hobby equipment like hiking poles.
- Comfortable shoes for work and play.
- Important documents, digitally, if possible, to save space.
- Household basics like a coffeemaker, pillow, and favorite blankets.
If you’re driving a long distance, create a road trip playlist that will make you smile, as well as a first aid kit.
The more consolidated the luggage, the easier it will be for you to travel and settle upon arrival. Packing cubes, vacuum bags, and sending boxes ahead all make the transition between travel nursing jobs smoother.
Ask friends, colleagues, and recruiters for moving services and travel recommendations, especially for longer distances. Do you take the northern or southern route if you’re driving? Do you have loved ones you’d like to visit along the way? Do you know someone where you’re moving who can provide housing recommendations? The more you can plan with movers and travel, the more settled you will be when you arrive.
Housing Considerations
Ask your Recruiter if the agency offers housing assistance. At AB Staffing, our Housing Coordinators assist travel nurses; you can be connected to them by your recruiter. In one area, there may be a dormitory or shared housing; in another, you may have a hotel or apartment option. There may be on-site housing or housing stipends, depending on the contract and agency. It’s important to ask lots of questions so you understand housing considerations.
Consider short-term rentals or extended-stay accommodations if you’re responsible for your housing, including Furnished Finder and NursesBnB. Have a housing plan before arrival so you have a place to go once you get there. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Financial Preparation
Financially prepare for the next contract or two by budgeting while working on the current one. The Gypsy Nurse uses the 50/30/20 rule for her budgeting – 50% toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. In this way, no matter your earnings, you will save the exact percentages and be prepared to move or take a break when ready. You will also know how much you can spend on needs like new shoes or wants like personal travel. Remember that as a travel nurse, you are responsible for your taxes, so you may want to set that aside in a separate savings account to ensure you have it at tax time.
Regarding deposits and rent payments for housing, read the rental agreement and ask questions before signing. Be sure you understand how much you will owe upon signing, arrival, and each week or month, and make sure those amounts are spelled out in the contract. We don’t want you to arrive thinking you have housing and do not have the budget for the lease or, worse, do not have a place to stay.
Health and Wellness
As nurses, you care for patients, but are you taking care of yourself? Before heading to your next assignment, think about what it means to be balancing travel and work. Identify stress triggers and seek to make changes. Exercise because it is a stress reliever, a natural depression fighter, and plain good for you! Plan healthy meals and snacks you can bring to work or on a hike on your days off. It’s vital that you feel good so you can take care of patients.
- Research your new home and surrounding areas to identify places to eat, visit, and play. Try a new place every week.
- Drive your work route before the first day. You don’t need the stress of getting lost!
- Transfer medical records and prescriptions.
- Find healthcare for yourself and your family in the new location.
- Establish a routine for work and non-workdays.
Our travelers tell us that having a routine helps them feel at home and less stressed no matter where they work.
Professional Preparation
Now that you’re on your way, it’s time to prepare for the new job. Review and understand the new facility’s policies and procedures. If you have questions, check with your supervisor or recruiter. There may be a required orientation, or you may be thrown into work; it depends on the facility. Connect with colleagues to learn about the facility, position, and new team. Your recruiter may be able to tell you if there are other travelers at the location with whom you can contact, or you may find them on your own. Social media groups can also be helpful to connect with travel nurses in your new area.
Staying Organized
It’s essential to keep important documents and contacts easily accessible, from your professional resume and credentials to work and housing contracts. If you have them available electronically, attaching whatever is needed to emails is easy.
You can also use apps and tools for organization and scheduling. Add deadlines for applications, appointments, and moving and travel dates to an online calendar. Add your work schedule to the same calendar, including the address and parking instructions, so it is easy to put into GPS. If you’re moving with a family, share the calendar with your spouse so you each know what is happening. Ask them to add their work schedule and appointments. The more organized you can be, the better!
In addition to the packing checklist, we mentioned earlier, create a main list, called a transition checklist, where all lists, deadlines, appointments, and travel arrangements are stored. That way, you’re ready, and nothing is overlooked. You can move knowing you have what you need when transitioning between travel nursing jobs.
Ready to get started? Contact AB Staffing today!