Your assignments as a travel nurse may be brief, but you still need to build strong relationships while traveling. Relationships with staff are a must for an efficient work environment. When your relationships with the facility staff are good, communication is better, which improves patient care. Developing strong relationships and trusting your team can help you acclimate to your new assignment quickly. Relationships with hospital staff are essential for your success and can help with the following:

• Support. Connect with your team for a sense of camaraderie that can help you adjust to the feelings of isolation sometimes present when adjusting to new places.
• Career growth. You can grow your professional network and discover new potential job opportunities.
• Better patient care. Positive relationships with patients and their families can improve healthcare outcomes.
• Contract extension. Of course, when you do your best and build solid relationships, there is a great chance the facility will extend your contract.

To build relationships with hospital staff, you will need to communicate effectively, integrate into your team efficiently, and always leave your assignments on the best of terms. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Communication

Communication is essential for building trusting relationships with hospital staff. First impressions do matter, so introduce yourself in a friendly manner to those you have contact with. Listening is just as critical, so give your new colleagues your full attention. You can build rapport by staying engaged and asking follow-up questions.

Try to offer help when you can, but respect boundaries. Be sure to speak up if you need assistance, and do so professionally. Matching tone and style of communication can help you fit in better with casual or more formal units.

Be open to suggestions while receiving feedback like a healthcare professional, and always show gratitude toward your new team.

Team Integration

When you want to make a good impression and integrate into your new team quickly, make sure you get a tour of the facilities to help you understand where things are. Understanding the facility’s rules, knowing where the policies and procedures are, and becoming familiar with the charting system will go a long way toward helping you integrate efficiently. If you can find a mentor or preceptor who can help you adjust, that is even better. Ask a ton of questions, and remember that having a positive attitude and doing your best to provide excellent patient care will help you build trusting relationships with your fellow nurses.

Leave on Good Terms

When building strong relationships, the way you end your assignment is as important as the way you start it. So leave a great lasting impression by being a dependable and punctual employee. Try to avoid complaining, and offer help when you can. Show your appreciation and thank your team. Asking for feedback is a great way to demonstrate you are serious about your professional growth.

Having a trusted staffing partner can undoubtedly help you, too. ADN Healthcare matches travel nurses with facilities that value teamwork and are a great fit. Let the professionals at ADN Healthcare support you before, during, and after your next travel assignment.