Making and keeping friends is a challenge all travel nurses face. Frequent moves and assignments that only last weeks, often leading to superficial friendships and no meaningful connections, tend to be the norm.

However, if you use a bit of creativity, you can form lasting friendships on the road. As a travel nurse, you can build friendships and community by meeting people, staying connected with them, and integrating yourself into your new community.

How to Meet New People

If you ask experienced travel nurses about their biggest fear, many will tell you it’s the fear of being alone. Even the most social nurses can find making friends on the road challenging, especially with a 13-week time constraint. However, you might be surprised to learn that connecting with others on assignment is not as difficult as you think.

Undoubtedly, the most accessible people to connect with are your fellow travelers in the same boat as you. Chances are, you both might feel a bit homesick. Orientation is an excellent time to meet your fellow travel nurses. There might be travelers with significant travel nurse experience at your facility who can help you find your way around. Of course, you can always step out of the facility and pursue other ways of meeting people.

You can attend social events and meet people with similar interests in your area. Volunteering is a great way to meet people and help people. Consider volunteering at a hospital, charity, or retirement home; you will meet others with a passion for helping others. Join travel nursing groups on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and connect with other healthcare professionals in your area. And finally, be open and friendly! Smile, introduce yourself to anyone you meet, and converse.

Staying Connected

Travel nursing is an adventurous journey throughout different parts of the country. You will likely make friends in many places. But what about family and old friends? Relax. Here are ways to stay connected with the ones you love:

• Plan your visits around Assignments. If your family can do it, invite them to your new location and coordinate visits during your time off. If the place is exceptional, extend your stay a few days after your contract ends for a mini vacation. You can also go to them by taking a contract in their city or state.
• Schedule time with each other. Consider setting time aside in advance to check in on family and friends. Even if it is just for a few minutes, reconnecting is excellent.
• Group chat. Use Snapchat or WhatsApp to keep family and friends engaged in an ongoing conversation. A dedicated chat keeps you connected throughout your travels.

Integrate With Your Local Community

Traveling is a great way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Although making friends on the road can be challenging, you can integrate into your local community. Keep an open mind, and embrace meeting different types of people. Smile, be approachable, and show a genuine interest in meeting people.

Attend local gatherings and events. Community events are excellent places to establish connections and make friends. You can also join a sports league, take a cooking class, or attend a community workshop. Community activities can introduce you to like-minded individuals.

Give back to the community by volunteering for a cause close to your heart. Giving back gives you a perfect opportunity to meet locals and other volunteers.

Let the experienced recruiters at ADN Healthcare help you find your next travel nursing assignment!