The first week of your travel nursing assignment can be challenging. You are excited but possibly anxious about the challenge of adapting quickly to a new healthcare environment. It will be unfamiliar to you, but you can prepare and adapt to the change. Handling the first week at a new facility is about preparation, communication, the ability to adapt, and making your health a priority.

Be Prepared

You can set yourself up for success before you arrive at your new assignment. A bit of research can ease your mind and have you ready to go. Ensure you are familiar with the staff policies at your latest assignment. All charting systems, protocols, and patient demographics are different, so familiarize yourself with them.

Make sure your housing is confirmed, and plan the route you will take to your assignment to ensure you arrive in a appropriate manner for your first shift. Have your nursing essentials, such as your license, certifications, and specialty equipment, ready. Call your recruiter to confirm assignment details.

Communicate

Building rapport with coworkers and asking questions to show initiative is crucial for success in travel nursing. Try to keep a positive attitude and introduce yourself to new team members as soon as possible. Ask them about their expectations, and be receptive to their feedback.

Adapting to the Assignment

The first week will be full of chaos. There are going to be lots of new faces and ways of doing things. How does the charting work? Where are supplies? The list can get long. Accept it. It will get better. Here are a few things that can help make this first week better:

• Show up early, at least for the first week. It will give you some time to acquaint yourself with the facility and help to reduce anxiety.
• Learn fast. Try to learn the new processes quickly. Take notes on everything and keep them close by. You will likely consult these notes many times during this first week.
• Bring snacks. You never know when or if you will get a break to eat, so have some nutritious snacks on hand.
• Be receptive to new processes. Try to stay positive and adaptive when learning all the new material during your first week.
• Keep things organized. Keep a notebook with you containing crucial information and emergency contacts.

Stay Healthy

All the planning and preparation for your first week at a new assignment will not matter if you do not take care of yourself. Between your shifts, try to rest. On your off days, check out your new location for gyms or relaxation spots to help you unwind. You can still establish a healthy routine, even while traveling, so try to eat nutritious foods and manage stress.

Support

A reputable staffing company giving you ongoing support can make this first week better. Let the team at ADN Healthcare support you. Their commitment to your success goes beyond the first week, and they will help you manage your career and meet your travel nursing goals. Best of luck!