Making the Most out of your Next Healthcare Travel Assignment

So you’re ready to hit the road on a healthcare travel assignment. Whether it’s your first travel job or your tenth, you want to make the most of it.

It’s normal to be a bit nervous if you’re new to working as a healthcare traveler. In fact, even experienced healthcare workers might have a few butterflies when it comes time to start a new assignment. But either way, it’s exciting to hit the road and live and work somewhere new for the next 13 weeks. So make the most of the time you’re in town at your new assignment by doing some of the following:

Step outside your comfort zone at work.

No matter if you’re a recent graduate or an experienced pharmacist, a travel assignment is a great way to learn new skills. It’s also an opportunity to stretch as a healthcare professional. Don’t shy away from new tasks.

Go off the beaten path.

There may be typical places you want to visit during the next 13 weeks, such as museums, national parks, and other tourist sites – but there are also a lot of cool places to visits off the beaten path.  From restaurants to beaches to annual events, there are many destinations that are not in the tour books. Ask the locals, visits forums and check out sites like Trip Advisor, Yelp, and Reddit to find more information.

Try something new.

What have you always wanted to do? Is it skydiving, rock-climbing, or sing karaoke? Use this opportunity to check something off your bucket list while in a town for your assignment. What better time to try something different?

Have an open mind.

Healthcare travel jobs provide you a chance to learn from others and grow both professionally and personally. To make the most of your experience, go into it with an open mind. For example, don’t be afraid to make the first move to meet people, go places you never thought you would and try new foods. Limit preconceived notions. Having an open mind may help you enjoy the experience to the fullest. You may leave a better-rounded healthcare professional and person.

Get to know your neighbors.

You’ll probably only be in town for 13 weeks, but that does not mean you can’t get to know your neighbors. Getting to know your neighbors can help you develop a sense of community and also learn more about the area. You never know; you may also make a friend for life.

Maintain a work-life balance.

Of course, when you take a healthcare travel job, you have to spend time at work. After all, it’s a job, not a 13- week vacation. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a bit of both. Many healthcare travel assignments involve 12-hour shifts, especially if you work as a nurse. That means you’ll have four days off a week. Make the most of your time off, by getting out and having fun!